Possible A.L.F. Investigation: Activist Refuses to Testify
University of Iowa A.L.F. Raid
On October 16th, a Minneapolis activist appeared before a grand jury and read a statement that she was refusing to testify. It is looking increasingly likely the grand jury is investigating the 2004 Animal Liberation Front raid of the University of Iowa, in which 401 animals were liberated. The activist, Carrie Feldman, was issued another subpoena to appear.
I am personally applauding Carrie Feldman for taking the only both practical and noble response to a grand jury: total non-cooperation.
As covered in the last update, it would seem the federal statute of limitations (this is a federal grand jury) for the University of Iowa A.L.F. action would expire on November 14th, 2009. However this grand jury convened on October 12th and will remain in session for 12 months. This would indicate the grand jury is investigating crimes other than the U of I liberation, or prosecutors believe one of several factors which can freeze or extend the statute of limitations may apply.
– Peter Young
This is the statement from Carrie Feldman:
“Today I had my first appearance before the federal grand jury in
Davenport, Iowa. I was represented by a federal public defender (although
he could not be present in the grand jury with me). After reading a brief
statement expressing that I would not testify, I was released with a
subpoena to reappear before the grand jury again on the 17th of November
at 9:00 A.M. It is likely that at this time I will be held in contempt of
court for continuing to remain silent, and could face jail time up to the
length of the grand jury (it convenes for 12 months total, which leaves 11
remaining after my November appearance). We are still looking into legal
questions regarding how long they could hold me.
Although the prosecutor has still not been forthcoming as to what the are
investigating me for, I now feel confident in assuming that they are
looking into an ALF action that occurred at the University of Iowa in
2004. Many different signs, including a question from one of the jurors,
have indicated this.
Some info about federal grand juries in Iowa:
The federal grand jury in Iowa has sessions for two days at a time, once a
month. They are convened for 12 months at a time. There is always a grand
jury going on and they hear a variety of cases–they are not convened for
any specific thing. They are secret, and even the public defenders working
on those cases are kept very much in the dark. The current grand jury
convened on October 14th.
Here’s the statement I read to the grand jury:
‘First of all, I would like to state, unequivocally and most certainly for
the record, that I have no intention of testifying before this grand jury.
Based on information from the prosecutor indicating that I may be a target
of this investigation, I am invoking my Fifth Amendment right against
self-incrimination. But beyond that, I am refusing to cooperate based on a
sincere belief that to do so would run counter to my deeply held
convictions and values.
Grand juries were originally created to prevent arbitrary indictments, but
are now used as a tool of the prosecution to gather information. Grand
juries undercut basic rights supposedly granted in the Constitution by
denying access to counsel and coercing testimony. They are now, and have
been for some time, used to investigate and intimidate those who would
express dissent.
This is only effective when we are complicit, when we are frightened, when
we are divided. Today my voice may waver, as I stand alone in this room.
But I know I speak with the voice of every one of my friends, loved ones,
and comrades when I say this: We will not be intimidated. We will not
cooperate. I have nothing more to say to you.‘”
To stay updated on this case, visit
http://supportcarrie.wordpress.com
