Who Is Lauren Gazzola?
Lauren is a SHAC 7 defendant who was recently found guilty in Federal Court of multiple federal felonies for advocating the closure of the notorious animal-testing lab Huntingdon Life Sciences. She is currently serving 4 years and 4 months in federal prison. This myspace profile is being maintained on behalf of Lauren by her support committee. For more info on Lauren visit www.supportlauren.com
One of the hardest things about being in prison is being cut off from friends and family. Take a moment to write Lauren a letter and ease a bit of the loneliness of prison life. Even if it's only a short note or a postcard, whenever Lauren crosses your mind, be sure to drop her a line and let her know. Even these small messages help to remind prisoners of the large number of supporters they have on the outside, and the great efforts for the animals so many others continue to take across the globe.
Update
Today Lauren's Support Committee received a call from Lauren. She is doing well and is in good spirits, however the letter also informed us that the address that has been being circulated for Lauren is incorrect. Please write her at the following address:
Lauren Gazzola
#93497-011
FCI Danbury
Federal Correctional Institution
Route #37
Danbury, CT 06811
Despite the address mistake, Lauren has begun to receive letters. However, she could always use more so please take a moment to write her.
Also, if you would like Lauren's prison blog sent directly to your inbox, you can subscribe to [email protected]
As soon as Lauren enters the main facility her permanent address will be made available. Please check www.supportlauren.com for the most up to date information on this situation.
Email Lauren: [email protected] or on MySpace (If you would like a reply to your email, be sure to include a snail mail address in the body of your email; Lauren will not have email access in prison.)
Who are the SHAC 7?The SHAC 7 are animal rights activists indicted under the controversial Federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. The Act punishes anyone who "physically disrupts" an animal enterprise. The charges stem from these activists' alleged participation in an international campaign to close the notorious product testing lab Huntingdon Life Sciences.
Specifically, these activists are alleged to have operated a website that reported on and expressed ideological support for protest activity against Huntingdon and its business affiliates. For this they are charged with "terrorism" and faced an aggregate of 23 years in Federal Prison.
The SHAC 7 case is the latest in an onslaught of attacks against domestic dissedents under the guise of fighting terrorism. Animal rights is a "fringe" issue and the government is banking on the broader social justice movement to turn a blind eye to those focusing on the “less important†issue of animals and expressing “extremist†views. But make no mistake - these activists are the canaries in the mine. This case is intended to pave the way for further silencing of activists involved in all issues. It is imperative that the broader social justice movement stand behind these activists in our communal defense of free speech, press, and association. Support the SHAC 7 and support your right to free expression!
How Can I Help?Donate. Although the initial trial is over, the fight is far from over. Not only are six individuals facing significant prison time, but the government winning this case is a major blow to activists everywhere. If the government can convict these activists on the Animal Enterprise Protection Act charge, it clears the way for this unconstitutional law to be abused repeatedly by the government. Despite being found guilty, all defendants are currently working on an appeal. To donate, send a check or money order payable to “SHAC 7 Support Fund" to:
SHAC 7 Support Fund
740A 14th St. #237
San Francisco, CA 94114
You can also donate online by using this button
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Fundraise. Activists all over the world are organizing benefits for the SHAC 7 Appeal. Some ideas to raise funds are movie nights, shows, bake sales, auctions, vegan dinners, etc. Fundraisers are also a great way to get the word out about the SHAC 7.
Repost the first bulletin located in the blog and ask people to make Lauren their myspace friend!
Where Can I Get More Information?Visit http://www.shac7.com
Much of the text for this portion of Lauren's myspace profile was borrowed from http://www.shac7.com