December 8, 2004
The journey for justice is not quite over for activists in the closely watched Pepper Spray Q-tip case, which intertwines issues of the right to peaceful protest with the fate of imperiled forests.
We are the Pepper Spray 8, forest activists who've evolved into civil rights advocates. Over the last seven years we've successfully fought numerous legal obstacles. This September, our case went to jury trial in San Francisco for the second time, represented by the same award-winning legal team that won a stunning jury verdict two years ago for Earth First! activists Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney against the FBI and Oakland Police.
After three weeks of trial testimony, the jury's deliberations came to a quick halt when just two of the eight jurors adamantly sided with the police. Although we had the majority, we need a unanimous verdict to protect the tradition of peaceful protest.
Civil rights in this country today are an endangered species, just like the ancient redwoods we aim to protect. The fact that our case is a contentious one is the very reason we need to follow through with it and win the retrial, in defense of everyone's rights. Please stand with us to protect the freedom of dissent in this country. Because as Frederick Douglass said, "Power concedes nothing without a demand."
Spring Lundberg, 24, was raised in Arcata, Humboldt County. She is a musician, writer and activist on issues of corporate globalization and ecology. She was 17 when she was pepper-sprayed by Humboldt County Sheriffs. For everything you ever wanted to know about the case, visit www.nopepperspray.org
Letter Of Support From A Juror In Pepper Sray Q-Tip Trail
The trial ended today as a hung jury. We deadlocked (6 -2). I am greatly troubled and disappointed about the outcome. We spent a total of 3 weeks at the courthouse, which turned out to be a waste of time and taxpayer dollars and created an underlying current that it's ok to use excessive force on peaceful protestors. I am appalled and dismayed that this happened. For details of the trial go to: www.nopepperspray.org.
I do hope there is a third trial and the plaintiffs win--Sincerely,H.M.0
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TOC for Forest & River News, Fall 2004