NIO is shut down until we win back our First Amendment rights
On Thursday morning, May 17, 2012, I appeared for a Probable Cause Hearing in Detroit on two five-year felonies, “aggravated stalking” and the relatively new and obscure charge of “posting a message.” While my attorney, Matt Savich, was granted an adjournment of these proceedings until June 14, the opposition then attempted to have my $25,000 bond revoked and/or raised citing three recent posts on this site that are wholly irrelevant and unrelated to any party involved in this case. We, therefore, offered to shut down this site until the criminal proceedings are concluded. The judge accepted and, in good faith, this is my official statement to follow through.
Subsequent to the June 14 Probable Cause hearing, I will also go to trial on June 18 regarding alleged violations of a Personal Protection Order for which I was arrested in Florida on February 4 and extradited to Michigan in early March. All of these cases are related and each will be argued on First Amendment grounds. We are confident that we will prevail and that this site will return shortly.
While my First Amendment rights are suspended:
- I have written to our only other named Director, Abdul Haqq/Walter Bond, and advised him of this situation.
- All anonymous administrators and contributors have been asked to refrain from posting on NIO and advised to disseminate their information through other sites and social networks at their sole discretion.
- I have been banned from facebook for 30 days and have zero capability to manage the information on my profile. So I am urging supporters to please not tag me in any posts regarding the nameless Wayne State vivisector until my trials conclude.
- Since our youtube and vimeo accounts have also been deleted, we will be using this time to establish video hosting on our servers. While there are clear and concerted efforts to blackout our information online, we will never be silenced. We will return impenetrable and in an infinitely stronger position.
- Lastly, the site may be down, but make no mistake that the organization is swelling. The “Committee” has been actively recruiting since my first arrest, and a more structured “We Are NIO!” membership drive will take shape affording all of our supporters an opportunity to join us. Please check HERE over the weekend for further information.
I am urging everyone to use this downtime to fortify and galvanize ourselves.
Animal liberation will be achieved when the detriments of animal abuse outweigh the benefits.
Camille Marino
Founder & CEO
Negotiation Is Over
To submit an article for publication, send a note to camille@negotiationisover.net.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no intent, express or implied, to promote illegal activities. We assume no liability for the potential actions of any third party. All data compiled here has been gathered from, and is available through, independent public sources.
Topics: Criminal & Civil Cases (Marino), Vivisection Complex | No Comments »
Dr. Steve Best: European Speaking Tour, September 2012
DR. STEVE BEST
EUROPEAN SPEAKING TOUR, SEPTEMBER 2012
- Genoa, Italy
Monday September 3 – Tuesday September 11: Italy (Rome, Latina, Green Hill)
Thursday September 13 – Sunday September 16: Luxemburg (International Animal Rights Conference)
Wednesday September 19: Portugal (University of Lisbon and The Party for Animals and Nature)
Friday September 21: Oporto, Portugal
Wednesday, September 26: Barcelona, Spain: Radical Revolution Tour: Best & Blendeskil
Saturday, September 29, Madrid, Spain: Radical Revolution Tour: Best & Blendeskil
To submit an article for publication, send a note to camille@negotiationisover.net.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no intent, express or implied, to promote illegal activities. We assume no liability for the potential actions of any third party. All data compiled here has been gathered from, and is available through, independent public sources.
Topics: Animal Liberation | No Comments »
Bucky’s “strictly regulated” hellish existence inside the University of Florida
an enslaved capuchin
Bucky’s Story
Bucky is a capuchin monkey who was ripped from his mother in 2008 and sent to Vivisector Raymond J. Bergeron at the University of Florida to begin his torture regimen. As the records attached below demonstrate, Bucky’s existence is now one of nightmarish deprivation, self-mutilation, misery and pain. Blood is repeatedly found in his cage, he is self-mutilating, vocalizing, and his hair pulling leaves him with bald spots. He is agitated and aggressive, exhibiting “stereotypical” pacing, biting of bars, tail holding, as well as scratching around his face and eyes. Essentially, it appears Bucky is being driven insane.
Among the injuries documented are a gash on his left big toe, his left inner thigh was excoriated and bleeding was noted, moist wounds were observed on both knees with significant swelling, and his tail was also found lacerated. The most severe injury Bucky sustained thus far was a deep cut on his leg and knee which required surgery, after which he would open his wounds. Another laceration by his left eye is documented as either another self-mutilation or as being sustained from lab equipment, which would indicate neglect.
Our UF whistleblower offers :
“I’m sure all those injuries were due to thrashing about in his cage – exhibiting rage and hostility. These guys are in prison…”
The guardians of UF’s dungeons are clearly aware of Bucky’s deteriorating mental and physical health as they were monitoring his aggressive behavior toward his fellow inmates. He is so frustrated that he needed to be moved away from the primates at which he had redirected his anger. Rather than release him to a sanctuary, they considered giving him Xanax.
In order to remain in compliance with “strict welfare guidelines” as they inhumanely crush this individual’s spirit and shred his mental health, they must provide “enrichment” to address all of the abnormal behaviors documented. They, therefore, offered him only some ice blocks, half a banana, and interaction twice a day. At one point this additional “therapeutic enrichment” was deemed no longer necessary.
And, inasmuch as they continually note that he is not in pain or is characterized as “BAR” (bright, alert, reactive), we must understand that this is when someone entered the room to interact with him and there is documentation stating that he seemed to like human interaction. His wounds and deteriorating mental health, however, speak for themselves regarding the other 99% of his day.
Ultimately they decided that Bucky is suffering from self-injurious behavior.
The foregoing provides a snapshot of this victim’s life in the UF concentration camp through December 31, 2011. We can safely assume that his torment is continuing unabated as Raymond J. Bergeron continues to profit from Bucky’s demise. We are awaiting further documentation that will indicate to what experiments he may currently be subjected as well as pictures of this capuchin and all of the primates imprisoned at UF.
UF’s Veterinary Records
Bucky – Records Thru 12-31-11, Part 1
Bucky – Records Thru 12-31-11, Part 2
Bucky – Records Thru 12-31-11, Part 3
To submit an article for publication, send a note to camille@negotiationisover.net.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no intent, express or implied, to promote illegal activities. We assume no liability for the potential actions of any third party. All data compiled here has been gathered from, and is available through, independent public sources.
Topics: Animal Liberation, University of Florida, Vivisection Complex | 6 Comments »
“Losers (We’re Gonna Take the Motherfucking World),” by Blendeskil
“You can’t separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”-Malcom X
Simulposted with Dr. Steve Best
Blendeskil is a cutting-edge hardcore band that promotes radical politics and animal liberation. As the video above illustrates, they have taken the message of militant animal liberation, captured it in song, and are bringing it to the masses. Dr. Steve Best & Blendeskil will tour in September.
Now Blendeskil is putting their support behind Camille Marino. All proceeds from their hit song “Losers” will go to Marino’s Legal Defense Fund until she goes to trial in June 2012.
Blendeskil has earned the gratitude and respect of this community. They are out there on the front lines promoting animal liberation as well as those who fight for the animals. In return, we are urging the NIO community to support Blendeskil.
Buy the song Losers to support Camille and buy the album to support Blendeskil.
To download Loser, click HERE.
To submit an article for publication, send a note to camille@negotiationisover.net.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no intent, express or implied, to promote illegal activities. We assume no liability for the potential actions of any third party. All data compiled here has been gathered from, and is available through, independent public sources.
Topics: Animal Liberation, Criminal & Civil Cases (Marino), Dr. Steven Best, Music & Videos | No Comments »
Walter Bond: “It is kind of difficult to harm an Animal if you’re dead!”
Abdul Haqq is currently incarcerated in the Communications Management Unit of Marion Federal Prison where he is serving an 87-month sentence for torching three animal abuse enterprises. But since he had not yet changed his name at the time of this interview, we are publishing it under the name he used when working as an ALF operative: Bond was interviewed by Paula Ricciulli for the Columbian magazine Cartel Urbano, January 2012. Walter answered Paula’s questions in writing from behind bars while awaiting transfer from the Nevada Southern Detention Center. Support Walter HERE.
Do you think there will be a time when mankind stops relying on Animals?
I think there will come a time when humanity either stops using Animals’ dead bodies for food, research, clothing and all other reasons or humanity will reap the consequences of environmental destruction due in large part to Animal agriculture and industrialized civilization. In either event, it’s a certainty that Animals and the Earth will once again live free from human tyranny and exploitation. So the only real question is will our species ever wise up and become part of the ecosystem instead of a cancer to it? Currently it does not look like we will. We are nowhere near treating ourselves with respect, let alone Animals.
You have said a lot of times that you don’t regret the arson you caused. Why don’t you regret it?
I don’t regret my arsons first and foremost because they were justified. Animals lives are snuffed out by the billions every year because of human greed, gluttony, bloodlust and psychopathology. All I did was destroy some property. My arsons were in fact a meek and passive action in retaliation for all the innocent Animals that have died cruelly at the hands of human oppressors. It’s unfortunate that people are so easily focused on my response (arsons) to these atrocities, but not the Animals’ plight. This is because human society purposefully sets the context for these issues to be from the perspective of a business owner’s ability to profit from an Animal’s slavery and death and never from the perspective of what the Animals suffer because of human injustices. I think arson was a great way for me to address these problems.
Is there something you wouldn’t do for Animal rights?
Of course, there are many things I would not personally do in the name of Animal Rights. But unlike the welfarist and peace freak branches of the Animal Rights community, I am not going to denounce tactics that are extreme. Take murder for example. Let’s be honest, the world would simply be a better place for Animals if people like Animal researchers, slaughterhouse workers and even non-Vegans were disposed of. It’s kind of difficult to harm an Animal if you’re dead. And on a basic and fundamental level I feel that people that go to work every day to harm Animals are sick freaks that must be stopped. That’s not to say that I’m against legal or non-violent activism, but what I am saying is that just because we personally are not willing to commit certain actions on behalf of our Earth Mother and Animal Nations doesn’t mean we should look down on people that are not so timid and lukewarm. It’s an unfortunate fact that most injustices are not going to vanish because we expose them or simply raise awareness. Senseless or hedonistic violence often must be stopped with force. That is the reality of things. Of course it’s always easy to debate about tactics and where we should draw the line when it’s not our own neck on the chopping block. I am a Vegan Hardliner, which has many implications, but the most prevalent of our beliefs is that if you cannot respect the rights of innocent life, then you yourself become a perpetrator, and are no longer innocent. You then forfeit your rights by your own failure or inability to co-exist with your surroundings in a peaceful and compassionate way. If a person, business or corporation has been educated, then protested, then warned, the next logical step is militant intervention.
What made you become an Animal rights activist?
I became a Vegan and then Animal Rights activist after spending a year as a builder of slaughterhouses in the Midwestern United States. After viewing the carnage and gore of “pork production” firsthand, I was left with the decision to either quit my job and become a compassionate person or continue to do my demonic job of slavery and murder. I was fortunate enough to have been raised by both my parents to be respectful and compassionate towards all life and had friends in the punk rock and Straightedge subcultures that were already Vegan, so I knew deep in my heart that my job was evil. For a more in depth understanding of why I became Vegan and an Animal Liberationist, please read my articles, “Why I Am Vegan” and “Slaughterhouse Blues (Why I Am Vegan II) on www.SupportWalter.org.
Why do you think is so difficult for our society to stop animal cruelty?
It’s difficult because subsisting off of Animals has been an integral part of human societies for a long, long time. To the point where modern society and especially the richer nations of the Earth were literally built on the blood and bones of Animals and various forms of slavery. Because of this, a world devoid of Animal use — in other words, a truly Vegan world – undermines not just the status quo in perception, but the entire foundation of technologically advanced civilization. It is why many people instinctively have animosity towards the concept of Animal Liberation and definitely against militant or radical Animal Liberation. Because they intuitively understand that we are not only attacking their dietary habits, but the foundation of hierarchical slavery and supremacy. Putting the Earth and Animals right to be left alone first means no new roads, construction, technology, industry, cities or transportation. Even most Vegans and activists cannot truly comprehend what a world without interspecies slavery would look like. But honestly the destruction of modern day civilization is of paramount importance if Animals are ever to live free and natural lives. This also means that we should participate in society to the least degree possible and if we are so inclined do everything within our power to disrupt, destroy or deconstruct business, industry and economy to the greatest degree possible.
Who is your hero and why?
Barry Horne is my hero. Barry was an Animal Liberation Front operative that also had ties to the Animal Rights Militia and a group called the Justice Department that used threats and intimidation to stop vivisection. Barry was arrested in England and sentenced to over ten years in prison. He continued to fight against Animal testing after his imprisonment with a series of hunger strikes that eventually killed him. Barry Horne is my hero because he never gave up, never equivocated and never failed to inspire others to take direct action!
Why did you choose the name Lone Wolf and how would you describe this warrior alter ego?
I chose the name “Lone Wolf” to convey to people that I was one person acting alone. I wanted to show that one empowered person can accomplish a lot, or wreak plenty of havoc as the case may be. I think the Lone Wolf nickname became more of an alter ego after my arrest than before it. Especially as pertains to my writings. When people that only know me from my articles or ALF actions first meet me or talk to me over the phone they are usually surprised at how social, jovial and easygoing I am. I guess the “Lone Wolf alter ego” as you say, takes over whenever Animal Liberation, Straightedge or Veganism enters the picture. I am extremely serious when it comes to matters of life and death, but as anyone that actually knows me can attest to, I’m perrty much a goofball and comic about everything else.
How effective you think ALF is to create awareness for Animals?
The ALF has been incredibly effective at creating awareness about what Animals suffer. Many ALF raids in the 80s uncovered behind the scenes footage of the reality and futility of Animal experimentation. As a legal activist it can be impossible to see what’s actually happening behind laboratory walls and also impossible to stop it and save the Animals lives. The Animal Liberation Front, since its inception, has always been about taking the most direct path to effectively save actual Animals and stop their exploiters while also passing along communiqués to the media to shed light on these issues and raise public awareness.
Animal tested medications have been very successful in a lot of diseases. What do you think about this?
I disagree. There is a wealth of information that proves Animal experimentation to be futile and a detriment to public health. Extrapolating results between species in Animal experimentation seldom works. But all this to me is secondary to the real issue – that being, it is wrong to test on Animals no matter what results may be had. Animals have every right to autonomy and freedom from pain, suffering, confinement and torture that you or I have. The medical or scientific results are of zero concern. We would not entertain the idea of testing oven cleaner on handicapped or mentally challenged people. We would not allow lethal dosage tests to be run on large groups of humans, even if they freely consented! It’s just another twisted sickness of human supremacy to even entertain the validation of Animal experimentation!
Don’t you think that with arsons and other destructive actions, ALF is creating a negative stereotype for Animal rights activists?
I honestly don’t care about stereotypes or public images and I actually think it’s very important for Animal abusers and users to know that there is a certain percentage of us that will not tolerate what they are doing. Part of the effectiveness that legal protests have is that there is an underlying fear on the part of Animal exploiters that the legal protest and media attention will catch the eye of the Animal Liberation Front. Without that fear, Animal Rights activism becomes a paper tiger, since all the laws are on the side of industries that profit from the demise of the Earth, Animals and humans. For my entire activist career, I have heard the public image argument. It really is quite naïve to think that the system’s media, which has vested interests in the continuation of societal norms, is going to shower us with favorable media so we can convince people to boycott industries that keep the rich on top and masses downtrodden. Plus “negative stereotypes” are all a matter of personal opinion. My idea of a negative image in Animal Rights is that of a frail hippie that’s an oversensitive pothead and supplicant to the powers that be. Or some welfarist negotiator that’s more concerned with everyone getting along with non-Vegans and Animal abusers than confronting those bastards and saving the Animals.
What is your advice for young people interested in fighting for Animal rights?
My advice would be to go Vegan and Straightedge. Do not fall into the misdirection of drugs and alcohol. To help Animals directly and consistently in a world where many humans will stand against you, you must remain focused, ferocious, positive and resilient. Always try to find the most direct path to Animal Liberation, such as working with or rescuing actual Animals. Far too may activists these days (especially those in cities) get wrapped up in The Human Movement for Animal Liberation. And above all, believe in yourself and your abilities. You and your friends can help Animals and stand against their exploiters without the help of large organizations. Self-sufficiency will serve you and the Animals well. Of course help is good, but learn how to increase your own skill set. Remember the Animals are relying on you, so you must become reliable. And lastly, don’t ever back down when it comes to fighting for the cause. Educate yourself and others about Animal issues, warn abusers to change their ways. Then if that doesn’t work, force them to stop harming Animals by any means necessary.
Being in jail has changed in any way your convictions about Animal liberation?
No not at all. I’ve been in jail since July 2010. Since that time I have written a book, given addresses to fundraisers and Animal Lib forums, I have told two federal courts of law that I have no remorse for my “crimes.” I’m now a prisoner of war until the year 2021 and I still feel the same about Animal Liberation, Veganism and illegal direct action. That won’t change. Other beliefs and worldviews may – that’s the nature of things – but some things are personal, some things are forever.
How difficult has it been for you to continue your vegan lifestyle being in jail?
It depends on the individual facility. When I was going to court and dealing with my Colorado case, that jail served me a specifically Vegan diet. In Salt Lake City, it was very difficult. The food there was terrible, but I was able to supplement by buying Vegan items like instant soups, peanut butter and chick-o-sticks for my sweet tooth. Currently I’m in a federal detention center in transit to a federal penitentiary and it’s easy to be Vegan here as well. Usually within a couple days of arrival at a new facility the other convicts will help me out with extra portions of veggies, potatoes, etc. There is community amongst prisoners, so I never go hungry.
What are your plans after you leave jail?
Well, after my release from prison I will have about 3 years of probation to complete. After that I want to travel around the world and truly spread my wings after a decade in a cage. As far as employment and Animal Liberation, I plan on writing books and working with Animals on sanctuaries as long as I am able, which I hope will be a very long time. I may do a speaking engagement from time to time, but I’m sure it will be infrequently. After several years in prison in such close quarters with so many people, I will relish my time with Animals and open spaces over city life and the daily grind. I also see myself remaining a bit eccentric. I have always lived simply and am not technologically adept, and I plan on continuing that trend.
Thank you Paula for the great interview and Cartel Urbano for publishing it … Take care and I’ll do the same… Animal Liberation, whatever it may take!
Regards,
Walter Bond
Animal Liberation whatever it may take!
To submit an article for publication, send a note to camille@negotiationisover.net.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no intent, express or implied, to promote illegal activities. We assume no liability for the potential actions of any third party. All data compiled here has been gathered from, and is available through, independent public sources.
Topics: ALF/ELF, Walter Bond | No Comments »
Urgent Action Alert: Save Captain Paul Watson from Extradition to Costa Rica
Courtesy of Sea Shepherd
In shocking news, German officials have decided to proceed with the extradition of Captain Watson to Costa Rica. Our last hope of saving Captain Watson from extradition is to convince German officials at the Ministry of Justice to step in and overturn their decision. Show your support for Captain Watson by contacting Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberge
Please contact:
Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberge
Federal Minister of Justice
Deutscher Bundestag
Platz der Republik
11011 Berlin
Telephone 030 – 227 751 62
Fax 030 – 227 764 02
Federal Ministry of Justice
Mohrenstrasse 37
10117 Berlin, Germany
Telephone: +49 (030) 18 580-0
Telefax: +49 (030) 18 580-9525
Emails should be sent to:
sabine.leutheusser-schnarr
Sample Letter:
Dear Ms Leutheusser-Schnarrenberge
I was very concerned to hear that Germany has detained Sea Shepherd’s Captain Paul Watson for possible extradition to Costa Rica. I understand that the warrant for Captain Watson’s arrest is politically motivated and possibly due to an incident in which Sea Shepherd uncovered an illegal shark finning operation.
I support Sea Shepherd’s efforts to monitor and publicise illegal fishing and whaling around the world and recognize that some illegal fishing operations try to use international law to shut down the Sea Shepherd operations.
I urge you to consider the valuable work Captain Watson and Sea Shepherd are undertaking globally to highlight the dangers to our oceans in considering this extradition request.
Sincerely,
Your Name.
To submit an article for publication, send a note to camille@negotiationisover.net.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no intent, express or implied, to promote illegal activities. We assume no liability for the potential actions of any third party. All data compiled here has been gathered from, and is available through, independent public sources.
Topics: Animal Liberation | 1 Comment »
If you think you can torture animals and go home at 5 o’clock….
To submit an article for publication, send a note to camille@negotiationisover.net.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no intent, express or implied, to promote illegal activities. We assume no liability for the potential actions of any third party. All data compiled here has been gathered from, and is available through, independent public sources.
Topics: Animal Liberation, Dr. Steven Best, Music & Videos | 1 Comment »
The Revolutionary Implications of Animal Standpoint Theory
“Mankind’s true moral test … consists of its attitude toward those who are its mercy: animals. And in this respect mankind has suffered a fundamental debacle, a debacle so fundamental that all others stem from it.” Milan Kundera
The complexity of historical and social dynamics can only be adequately grasped from a plurality of perspectives. These include critical approaches such as Marxism, feminism, and critical race/postcolonial studies, and environmental determinism. To determinants such as class, gender, race, and geography and climate we must also add the decisive influence of animals on human history — or, rather, human-animal relations and interactions — such as become clear through use of the animal standpoint.
If we look at history from the animal standpoint — that is, from the crucial role that animals have played in human history and the consequences of human domination of nonhuman animals — we can glean new and invaluable insights into psychological, social, historical, and ecological phenomena, problems, and crises. I use the animal standpoint to shed new light on the origins, dynamics, and development of dominator cultures and dysfunctional power systems that structure our relationships to one another, to other species, and to the natural world in hierarchical rather than complimentary terms.
Animal standpoint theory looks at the crucial role animals play in sustaining the natural world and shaping the human world in co-evolutionary relations with human beings. While animals have played a crucial positive role in shaping human psychology and social life, they have not always been willing partners. Yet even though human domination of animals is a negative phenomenon, it is nonetheless equally if not more profound and a determinant force in history. A main thesis of animal standpoint theory is that animals have been key shaping forces of human psychology, social life, and history overall, and that in fundamental ways, the domination of humans over animals underpins the domination of humans over one another and of humans over nature.
This approach stresses the systemic consequences of human exploitation of animals, the interrelatedness of our fates, and the profound need for revolutionary changes in the way human beings define themselves and relate to other species and the earth. While useful results have come from the arid scholastic field of “animal studies,” I am not interested in the sterile theory-for-theory’s-sake approach, but rather in mining new histories and theories for their practical implications and can revolutionize human existence. Unlike the largely apolitical field of “human-animal studies,” the animal standpoint is no more “neutral” or “objective” in relation to animals than Marx’s work was toward the working class or the Frankfurt School’s critical theory was to oppressed and suffering peoples. It is an ethically and politically engaged viewpoint that condemns the exploitation and slaughter of animals, and promotes the total emancipation of animals from all forms of human enslavement and domination, which demands revolutionizing capitalism and dismantling, hierarchical societies, and dominator cultures. The animal standpoint is vital to a total liberation politics that promotes human, animal, and earth liberation as inseparably related struggles that need to unite against common enemies such as capitalism and the state. It advocates an alliance politics in which different radical movements work together toward the positive goal of shifting the dominant paradigms from hierarchy to equality, from growth to sustainability, from alienation to harmony, and from violence to peace.
This essay explores the animal standpoint in three different dimensions: (1) for the light it sheds on historical dynamics, the origin and development of dominator cultures, and current global, social, and ecological crises; (2) for its power to undermine speciesism, advance egalitarian arguments and liberation ethics, and debunk persistent myths in the inherent goodness of human nature; and (3) for its ability to expose the speciesist logic of pacifism and validate militant direct action tactics in defense of animals and the earth.[1]
Topics: Animal Liberation, Dr. Steven Best | No Comments »
Captain Paul Watson Arrested In Germany on Warrant Issued in Costa Rica
Courtesy of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Captain Paul Watson was arrested yesterday in Germany for extradition to Costa Rica. The German police have said that the warrant for Captain Watson’s arrest is in response to an alleged violation of ships traffic in Costa Rica, which occurred during the filming of Sharkwater in 2002. The specific “violation of ships traffic” incident took place on the high seas in Guatemalan waters, when Sea Shepherd encountered an illegal shark finning operation, run by a Costa Rican ship called the Varadero. On order of the Guatemalan authorities, Sea Shepherd instructed the crew of the Varadero to cease their shark finning activities and head back to port to be prosecuted. While escorting the Varadero back to port, the tables were turned and a Guatemalan gunboat was dispatched to intercept the Sea Shepherd crew. The crew of the Varadero accused the Sea Shepherds of trying to kill them, while the video evidence proves this to be a fallacy. To avoid the Guatemalan gunboat, Sea Shepherd then set sail for Costa Rica, where they uncovered even more illegal shark finning activities in the form of dried shark fins by the thousands on the roofs of industrial buildings.
Conservationists around the world maintain hope that the Costa Ricans will drop the charges against Captain Watson. There is also a chance that the charges have already been dropped, but Sea Shepherd has been unable to confirm that with the Costa Rican officials. With Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, it would be a travesty for them not to stand up for sharks, which sit at the highest levels of the food chain assuring balance among ecological communities in the ocean.
While in jail, Captain Watson is being assisted by the European Parliament Vice President Daniel Cohn Bendit and the European deputy Jose Bove. Our hope is that these two honorable gentlemen can set Captain Watson free before this nonsense goes any further. The European Sea Shepherds have also mobilized to support Captain Watson.
As the plight of the sharks becomes more desperate, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has begun to outline a new shark campaign for 2012. Julie Andersen, founder of Shark Savers and Shark Angels, has joined Sea Shepherd to lead our global campaign to save sharks from extinction.
Sea Shepherd will use its expertise and experience, as well as media savvy, to empower people around the world to take back their sharks – an animal critical to their, as well as the global, environment and economy.
Sea Shepherd is offering its assistance to countries around the world to enforce international and local laws, end ruthless poaching, patrol marine sanctuaries under attack, implement high tech defenses, and empower locals through training and the provision of resources to take on the battle. Sea Shepherd will also fight a war of public opinion, changing everything we know about an animal most despised.
The first stop will be the South Pacific, where the team will be headed in June.
“We’ve got all the laws we need to protect sharks. Now we will leverage our resources and expertise to help countries around the globe enforce them. Using Galapagos as a model, we will travel wherever we are needed – enforcing local laws while developing strategies and training locals to defend their sharks, fueling world-wide enforcement efforts.” – Julie Andersen, Shark Campaign Director
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To submit an article for publication, send a note to camille@negotiationisover.net.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no intent, express or implied, to promote illegal activities. We assume no liability for the potential actions of any third party. All data compiled here has been gathered from, and is available through, independent public sources.
Topics: Animal Liberation | 1 Comment »
Woman faces 38 criminal charges for rescuing abused dogs
“When a rule or regulation is immoral, we’re all obligated to not obey immoral laws.” Janet Olsen
To submit an article for publication, send a note to camille@negotiationisover.net.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no intent, express or implied, to promote illegal activities. We assume no liability for the potential actions of any third party. All data compiled here has been gathered from, and is available through, independent public sources.
Topics: Animal Liberation | No Comments »
