August 8, 2009

Win Animal Rights at Open the Cages Conference to Benefit AETA Victims and Skin Trade Movie

This past Saturday activists from Win Animal Rights visited Washington D.C. to participate in the Open the Cage's Alliance Skin Trade Movie and AETA Victims' Fundraiser.

The AETA 4 and the AETA 2 are animal rights activists Nathan Pope, Adriana Stumpo, Joseph Buddenberg, Maryam Khajavi, William "BJ" Viehl and Alex Hall currently being charged with a grossly unjust law, the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA). The AETA denies equal protection to social justice activists and restricts their freedom of speech and assembly, painting them as terrorists for using their legally-protected freedoms to protest animal-abusing companies. Skin Trade is a documentary currently in production by animal rights attorney Shannon Keith about the horrific fur industry and the activists who intend to shut it down.

In addition to Win Animal Rights collective founder Camille Hankins, speakers included Will Potter, creator of Green is the New Red website; Darius Fullmer, former political prisoner sentenced due to his affiliation with the SHAC campaign; and Sean Day, animal liberation activist attorney.

Following the speakers, the program offered additional workshops to better equip activists in their struggle for animal liberation. Sessions included knowing your rights when dealing with law enforcement as well as a presentation on computer and web security.

The New York activists welcomed the inviting atmosphere, a chance to meet up with other-like-minded people to discuss campaigns, tactics, or just some rad recipes. Speaking of food, throughout the event, attendees had the luxury of eating some freshly-prepared vegan goods. Kudos to whoever made the mac n cheese!

Following the amazing speakers, some attendees felt the demo itch and needed to scratch. More than dozen activists peeled off for an impromptu Staples protest. Despite the relatively short demonstration, activists distributed all of their campaign literature. Hundreds of pedestrians along 14th street (and those with good ears several blocks away) now knew Staples profits from the puppy killing at HLS.

The event concluded with several awesome vegan bands and artists, including Ryan Harvey Mobius Strip, and Peregrine. Nothing like some kick-ass music to go with delicious food, fabulous comrades, and a ton of useful knowledge.

With any luck, there will be more fantastic events such as this to highlight the continued erosion of our civil liberties, as corrupt politicians and malevolent corporations seek to stop compassionate people from fighting injustice by peaceful, legal means.

W.A.R. (WIN ANIMAL RIGHTS) is an independent non-profit organization not affiliated or associated with SHAC, SHAC USA or any other group or organization and does not conduct or incite any illegal activity. The above information is not meant to incite or request any illegal actions or illegal activities of any kind. If you have any questions about the legality of any act, we encourage everyone receiving this (or the) action alert(s) to check your local laws and ordinances before proceeding to do anything.