This case began on 22nd June with the house searches and arrests of the activists involved in Animal Equality and Equanimal in Madrid, Asturias, Biscay and Galicia. Since then, the accused are being held on charges of crimes against the environment, public disorder, disclosure of secrets and conspiracy. The case has become an international scandal – mobilising hundreds of people in over 25 countries who have demonstrated together in solidarity with the accused.

On 28th November, the case was finally opened after the Provincial High Court accepted an appeal presented by the activists’ lawyers calling for an end to a Gagging order. Activists are now been able to question the involvement of the Judge, who has shown a direct, personal interest in the case.

On 24th June, during the first statement by an accused activist, Olaia Freiría Mato, the Judge made the following comment: “Yes, mink farms usually leave the door open… my father had a farm and it was what fed us all and we were six brothers, but of course, we always left the doors open because it was okay …” (Minute 38:02 of the video and audio recording of The Declaration File for the proceedings).

In statements made to the news agency Europa Press on 23rd June, the Judge also used the term “eco-terrorism”. He applied it to the actions of the accused and stated that “this is not ecology. They cause terror, and some farms have been forced to close as a result of these actions”.

Several damaging statements made by the Judge achieved widespread media coverage in Spain, and can in no way be considered as normal procedure. The activists have been subjected to gross negligence as the Judge has a constitutional obligation to respect the fundamental rights, particularly during an on-going investigation.

They now challenge the actions of the Judge, and want to expose the negligence that has occurred with regards to the gagging order. They seek to annul their accusations that have been made because of the clear violations of the fundamental rights.

For example, the decision to detain three of the activists following their arrests was a clear breach of human rights. To show this, the decision was appealed by defence lawyers in the High Provincial Court and it was decided that the three innocents should be released. It was stated that the order had “not fulfilled any of the purposes that constitutionally and legally justify the detention.”

The Judge in question is dealing with a case that he has a direct interest in, and has publicly stated his position against the accused. This does not constitute a fair trial for the activists. It is clearly an investigation full of inconsistencies.

This is a criminalisation of the animal rights movement – driven by those involved in animal exploitation such as hunting and the fur trade. The animal exploitation industries aim to curb the activism of raising public awareness because it is fuelling society’s rejection of animal abuse. The animal exploitation industries now are turning to increasingly desperate measures to shroud their work in secrecy and protect their economic interests.

Media Contact
Sharon Nuñez
Tel: +34 674 216 012
Sharonn@igualdadanimal.org

Website – “Unite Against Repression – In defence of the animal rights movement”:
UnitedAgainstRepression.org

This was Moby’s answer to the animal right activists from the Anti-repression Campaign in Spain who were at the musician’s book signing in Madrid yesterday. Information about the campaign and from both organisations, Animal Equality and Equanimal, were given to him.

Moby who explains that: “Animals are sentient creatures with their own wills, and it seems wrong to force our will onto another creature just because we’re able to.” Expressed solidarity with the animal rights movement and signed the petition asking for acquittal on all charges for the activists.

To see the photo gallery: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjvueJ7F

(French)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U​ZTUJWK0

(Italian)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P​B3VRH87

(German)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2T9RMDAB

Buits crew from Germany have dedicated a song in support with the Animal Rights Activists from Spain.

Thanks for the support!

If you are a Russian or Czech speaker, please read and share it!

Russian: http://zhestokosti.net/thespanish12/

Czech: http://spanelsko-podpora.blogspot.com/

Twelve activists – the heads and spokespersons of the above groups – have been arrested and charged with a list of offences from the mass release of minks to arson in bullrings, which the activists deny having any part in. Nevertheless they could be facing years in prison. The police and judge in the case are now facing legal proceedings from the groups in response to a number of incidents signalling that this case is a set-up and a farce.

More info on the legal proceedings against the police and judge: here

In the face of this clear repression against animal advocates for peaceful campaigning and non-violent direct action, we need WORLDWIDE SOLIDARITY to show the press and the public that we will not be silenced and will continue to speak out against and expose the animal exploitation industries, and that we should not be arrested or charged for crimes we have not committed.

The Spanish press picked up on our last global day of protests, and we wish to gain even more media exposure from the protests THIS SATURDAY 23 JULY.

For the sake of the future of the animal rights movement in Spain, and to demonstrate that worldwide, animal advocates will not tolerate repression in any country, PLEASE JOIN THE PROTESTS.

Below you will find a list of the groups who have so far announced they are holding a protest:

The following is a list of all the protests which will be held on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July

Show your solidarity with the AR activists in Spain!

AUSTRALIA:
Melbourne, Saturday 23 July
Click on the event: http://on.fb.me/p7JHbP

CANADA:
Toronto, Thursday 21 July 
Benefit dinner:  http://on.fb.me/qp182s

Toronto, Friday 22 July 
Click on the event: http://on.fb.me/p4wzXE

CHILE:
Santiago and Rancagua, Saturday 23 July
Click on the event: http://on.fb.me/n915Yc

CZECH REPUBLIC:
Prague, Friday 22 July
Click on the event: http://on.fb.me/ogaSq4

FINLAND:
Turku, Saturday 23 July
Click on the event: http://on.fb.me/qIwpQZ

FRANCE:
Nimes, Saturday 23 July
Click on the event: http://on.fb.me/ph6zdk 

MEXICO:
Mexico city, Sunday 24 July
Click on the event (soon): 12:00h  Angel de la Indipendencia

Guadalajara, Saturday 23 July
Click on the event: http://on.fb.me/oLFcWS 

VENEZUELA:
Caracas, Friday 22 July
Click on the event: http://on.fb.me/nDxWX7

PORTUGAL:
Lisboa, Saturday 23 July
Click on the event:  http://on.fb.me/pPpIUB

SPAIN:
Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Santiago, Sevilla, Málaga, Valencia, Vigo, Zaragoza, Saturday 23 July
Click on the events:  http://on.fb.me/r3E4tz

USA:
Asheville, 23 July
Click on the event: http://on.fb.me/q9pdWw

Portland, Oregon, Saturday 23 July
Click on the event:  http://on.fb.me/n6WCd1

If you wish to organise your own protest, you will find all the information you need, including posters, leaflets and stickers to download, HERE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. WE NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER.

English video on the background to the case: http://vimeo.com/26318630

WEB (temporary): TheSpanish12.wordpress.com

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/UnitedAgainstRepression

CONTACT: info@unitedagainstrepression.org

Now it is our turn. We are announcing that we are going to instigate legal proceedings against the Guardia Civil for libel and for revealing facts about the investigation to the press whilst under a gag order. Likewise we are going to make a formal objection to the judge in the case, Jose Antonia Vazquez Tain, for his bias and lack of independence in the case.

The motives for starting legal proceedings against the Guardia Civil are the following:

1) The first motive is for slanderous allegations against the accused activists. The Guardia Civil have literally stated in a press release that can still be found on their web page that the animal activists arrested are responsible for property damage such as arson (which they have not committed), that they belong to the “Spanish branch” of a supposedly radical group, which is completely false. In addition they illustrate the press release with a photo of a person wearing a balaclava, implying that they are one of the arrested activists. However, this is false, as the person in the photo is neither one of the arrested activists, nor a member of neither Animal Equality or Equanimal.

2) The second motive is the revelation of details of the case while under a gagging order issued by the court. The Guardia Civil has publicly communicated details of the investigation that are meant to remain restricted (for example the findings of the search warrants, as well as a number of events under investigation.)

Likewise, for similar motives, we are announcing that we are lodging an objection to Judge Vázquez Taín, to remove him from the case. In a legal case, the role of the judge is to investigate the facts objectively, leaving to the prosecution service the role of accuser. A judge must remain independent and impartial. However, the Campaign against the Repression of the Animal Rights Movement considers that there is sufficient evidence to show that the judge possesses an attitude of ill will towards the arrested animal activists. In statements to the press, the judge has indicated that the activists “cause terror”, and therefore they can be considered “ecoterrorists”. This statement is completely absurd considering that:

1. Anyone can see that the work of the organisations Equanimal and Animal Equality have no relation to terrorism.

2. The judge himself recognises this perfectly well, as if they activists really were terrorists, they would have been prosecuted for belonging to armed gangs (something that the judge has obviously not done).

3. The arrested activists are animal defenders, and not ecologists.

In reality, this is not the only manifestation of hostility towards the arrested animal advocates. For example, when the accused were in the police cells of the Guardia Civil, they indicated that they would remain there, in their own words to the press “so that they are comfortable”, which is not only sarcasm, but clearly making fun of the activists at their expense. [Source: La Opinión de Coruña, 24 de junio de 2011].

Likewise, we consider that the judge has also published details meant to remain restricted, which should also disqualify him from continuing to conduct the investigation into the case.

In addition, we wish to underline the following. After the initial arrests, the judge ordered that three activists be remanded in custody without giving any justification for the measure. That the Provincial Court of A Coruña subsequently revoked this measure gives a signal of the farce that has been constructed in this attack against the animal rights movement. In the court order given by the Provincial Court of A Coruña to revoke the custodial sentence, the actions of the judge are strongly criticised. This reinforces what we have been repeating since the first moment the Campaign was set up: that these proceedings are a farce that must be terminated as soon as possible.

Protests on Saturday 23 July

On Saturday 23 July we are organising an International day of protest against the repression in Spain.

If you want to take part in this day of action please take into account the following:

1) Please organise your protest to start at 12 am

2) Please organise your protest somewhere in your city that is very well-known

2) Dress in black and use the materials you will find linked below from the campaign

3) Cover your mouth with the following sticker (link below)

Other days of action:

From Friday 22 until Sunday 24 July, there are also international protests, events and rallies being organised to be carried out in defense of the animal rights movement and against repression in Spain. It is important to focus on 23 July as it is the main day, although 22 and 24 can be used as international days too. Support this important day by coming to the demonstration held in your town!

For more information about the different events being carried out in your city email:
info@unitedagainstrepression.org

To download the material for the Anti-Repression Campaign: 

(English)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=3O44T1AU

(Spanish)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=37GKTB5G

(Italian)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PB3VRH87

N.B.
If you are able to translate the any of the material into your language please write to us. We will be able to adapt the design so other countries can downloaded.

WEB (temporary): TheSpanish12.wordpress.com

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/UnitedAgainstRepression

CONTACT: info@unitedagainstrepression.org

It is fundamental to bear in mind that this case is not, by any means, something that only affects those activists who have been charged, or the organisations that they work for. In contrast, it is a process which represents a grave threat to the whole animal rights movement.

Firstly, this case intends to criminalise an entire form of activism, which includes any type of non-violent civil disobedience or direct action, the carrying out of undercover investigations, open rescues of animals, and so on.

And secondly, because it de-legitimises animal rights defenders and presents us to society as criminals, violent people, extremists, or worse. It is an attack, therefore, on the freedom of speech and protests by our movement, whose consequences could be very grave indeed, even more so when the base of the accusations is absurd.

For this reason it is of utmost importance that support extends throughout the world, with the following aims:

That the twelve activists currently on bail awaiting trial are not sentenced to prison.

That the media abandons its current position of hostility and contempt for animal rights activism.

That the damage caused to the animal rights movement in the eyes of the public is reversed, and that the animal rights movement is recognised as a legitimate social justice movement and not related to the absurd,

false accusations that we have been victims of.

The fact that people have been unjustly charged due to their work with Equanimal and Animal Equality has spurred these organisations to form this campaign against the repression of the movement. Nevertheless, this campaign is in defence of the animal rights movement as a whole. For this reason, in the different demonstrations and events taking place, there will be no use of logos or branding by the two organisations involved, Equanimal and Animal Equality.

It needs to be made clear that the protests and events in the campaign are not by individual organisations, but protests by the movement as a whole under the umbrella of the campaign with which we encourage the

participation of dedicated people to defend the legitimacy of the animal rights movement.

If you belong to an organisation or association you can support us in the following ways:

• Let us know that you want to join the campaign: info@unitedagainstrepression.org

• Send the following press release to the media showing your solidarity with the activists.

N.B.

We request that you send the press release unaltered, and maintain the same spokespersons at the foot of the release. This is very important as any additional information may harm the activists that are currently on bail and even alter the development of the case.

• Publish information on your website about the case and the campaign, to be found at UnitedAgainstRepression.org, accompanied by this banner and the petition available at the following link: Here

• Share news of the different protests occurring in different countries together with information on the case with your email contacts, forums, e-bulletins and social media networks. This means more people will find out about the international campaign and expand the network of support for the unjustly accused activists as well as the defence of the animal rights movement in the face of this attack which seeks to criminalise and de-legitimise animal rights work.

• Share and upload the different campaign profile images to your facebook, twitter and other internet accounts.

• Help us to get important personalities to join the campaign, and encourage them to get in contact with us via email: info@unitedagainstrepression.org. We need people such as artists, philosophers, lawyers, journalists, politicians, etc. to show their solidarity in the face of this unjust process.

• Conduct interviews with the campaign spokespersons and upload the interviews to your websites.

• Distribute the campaign leaflets in your area. You can download them here.

• Take part in the protests that we are organising using the official campaign material which can be download here.

• Organise or help in the organisation of conferences and events to inform people of the campaign and encourage them to lend their support.

• Leave donation tins for the campaign in places available to you.

• Make a donation to help us offset the immense costs we are facing both in legal fees and the cost of running the international campaign, in the following ways.

Bank account: Banco Santander 0049 1759 58 2990022193 / IBAN ES530049175958299002219

PayPal: here

For more information, write to: info@unitedagainstrepression.org

or call: (+00 34) 600 427 239 / 637 227 966