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Posted on 09/13/2006 12:01:35 AM PDT by freepatriot32
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Foundation for Biomedical Research today applauds the stiff sentencing imposed against three members of a radical animal-rights activist group, known as SHAC USA. Federal District Court Judge Anne E. Thompson delivered the sentencing against the group and three of its six members – who were convicted last March on all charged counts for their roles in a campaign to terrorize an animal research company and its employees.
Judge Thompson stopped short of delivering the maximum punishment available, though she did sentence the SHAC entity to five years of probation plus restitution and assessments totaling in excess of $1 million. In addition, SHAC ringleader Kevin Kjonaas was sentenced to 72 months in prison; Lauren Gazzola received 52 months and Jacob Conroy received 48 months. All six individuals have been named jointly and separately liable for restitution of the monetary fines, payable to Huntingdon Life Sciences.
Joshua Harper will be sentenced tomorrow, while Darius Fullmer and Andrew Stepanian will receive their sentencing next week.
The defendants were convicted on stalking charges which stemmed from an organized campaign that sought to cause three HLS employees and their families to fear death or injury. Their actions included "telephone and e-mail blitzes, fax blitzes and computer blockades against HLS in order to divert HLS employees from their regular work," the indictment charged.
The trial was the government’s first attempt to curb the growing threat of anti-research animal extremism since the Animal Enterprise Protection Act (AEPA) was amended in 2002 to include the crime of "animal enterprise terrorism." Congress is currently considering legislation to further strengthen the AEPA. The proposed legislation (H.R. 4239 & S. 3880) broadens the definition of animal enterprise, increases penalties for causing economic disruption or damage, and addresses "tertiary" or third-party targeting - a tactic used by extremists against anyone who knows or does business with anyone involved in medical research.
“The cost of not stopping radical animal extremists is high both in financial and human terms,” said FBR President, Frankie Trull. “If they are not stopped, their campaigns could drive research organizations out of the country altogether. This ruling is a significant victory, especially since it was accomplished without one strong, comprehensive federal statutes in place; however, many similar extremist campaigns are still underway throughout the country and Congress must act soon to pass the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, equipping law enforcement with the tools they need to combat this growing threat.”
Misguided and misinformed extremists are posing a growing threat to vital and humane medical research. For more information on the evolving landscape of the movement's tactics and strategies, please click here.
The Foundation for Biomedical Research is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to promoting public understanding, respect and support for humane and responsible animal research. Six Nobel laureates, 13 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 13 fellows of the National Academy of Sciences, a former Surgeon General and a former Cabinet Secretary serve on its board of directors.
Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here
After grinding my teeth at years of animal rights extremist terror being ignored by the authorities or getting off with wrist slaps, it truly warms the cockles of my heart to see these adorable, patchouli-smelling, birkenstocked scamps and others of their ilk having to do actual hard time.
I assume most reading this have also heard of the other recent convictions of eco-terrorists. It took the current administration to proclaim these people our most serious domestic terror threat but finally determined, systematic multi-jurisdictional action is being taken--and how sweet it is!
I recommend a recent "Rolling Stone" article concerning how the most destructive wing of this movement got taken down. In the end, it was only a handful of pampered sociopaths who were doing this (or has someone used that phrase before?)
Suffice to say, now that eco-terror is carrying grown-up penalties, look to similar immature folks deciding to get their jollies through different means.
Too bad we no longer allow horsewhipping, tarring and feathering.
BTTT
Terrorists deserve lynching.
I'm confused. Did they do any damage to the facility or harm any individual? $1 million for telephone harassment and blocking their entrance?
What line did they cross from free speech to criminality?
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