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FARM
Demands Freedom for Austrian Activists
June 11, 2008
In the early hours of May 21st, special forces of the Austrian police, many armed in black clothing and wearing masks, forced entry to 23 homes and offices of animal rights campaigners across Austria. Fourteen people were arrested, most at gunpoint. Ten people are being held in pre-trial detention, which could last for months, accused of “forming a criminal organization.” Seven, including President of the Austrian Association Against Animal Factories Professor Martin Balluch, are on a hunger strike and becoming very weak. Visit www.vgt.at for more information. In unity with groups around the world, FARM took action in Washington, D.C. for a day of solidarity with the detained animal liberation activists. Events also took place in Berlin, Bern, Boston, Hamburg, Helsinki, Leipzig, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Stockholm. Click here to view the press release (PDF) for the DC protest.
How can you help? Contact the Austrian officials to demand freedom and justice for the prisoners. See contact info below:
Continue the struggle for compassion and
justice!
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FARM
staff and volunteers protested in front
of the Austrian Embassy, demanding that
the Austrian authorities immediately release
the hostages or present valid charges.
We communicated our demands with large
signs and chants, stating “Stop
Austrian Repression,” “Activism
is NOT a crime!” “Protect Free
Speech,” “Stop
Silencing Activists,”“Free
our activists – let them go" and
"You can put our friends in jail - animal
rights will never fail!"We also carried
large photo prints of Dr. Martin Balluch,
with the message "14
Days On Hunger Strike." 
