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Satya has
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On December 7th, 2005, Daniel McGowan, a respected and long-time environmental and social justice activist, was arrested by federal marshals as part of a nationwide crackdown on activists. [See Satya August 2006.] He was charged in federal court on many counts of arson and conspiracy, all relating to two actions claimed by the Earth Liberation Front in Oregon in 2001. Until recently, Daniel was offered two choices by the government: cooperate by informing on other people, or go to trial and face a life sentence in federal prison. His only real option was to plead not guilty until he could reach a resolution allowing him to honor his principles. On November 9, 2006, after months of negotiations and consideration, Daniel McGowan and his codefendants Joyanna Zacher, Nathan Block and Jonathan Paul appeared in federal court to enter guilty pleas as part of a global resolution agreement with prosecutors. They accepted responsibility for their roles in a series of environmentally motivated arsons. They did so with the understanding that they would not implicate or identify anyone other than themselves. Daniel pled to conspiracy and to two separate incidents of arson. The government is recommending Daniel and two of his codefendants be sentenced to eight years in federal prison and another codefendant five years. Daniel’s lawyers will seek a sentence of no more than 63 months. Prosecutors say they will request the court apply a “terrorism enhancement” that would add substantial time to each defendant’s sentence. The “terrorism enhancement” could only be applied if the court finds that the defendants’ actions were motivated by a desire to change the policies of the U.S. government by means of coercion. Since private corporations owned the property damaged by the defendants, “terrorism enhancement” is not likely to get applied. At court, Daniel read a statement to the judge expressing his disillusionment with the use of arson as a tactic for positive change but affirmed he is still committed to social change, animal rights and the preservation of the environment. The sentencing date will be determined at the next status hearing scheduled for December 14th. The time leading up to this will be critical, and Daniel’s family and friends are requesting letters sent to the judge to ensure he gets the best possible outcome at sentencing. Daniel’s plea agreement can be downloaded from his support website. To learn more and find out how to help, visit www.supportdaniel.org.
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