FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2005
MEDIA ALERT
Contact: Rich Macgurn
(619) 594-1846
plantlife@resist.ca

Community Organizers Targeted by Federal Grand Jury in San Diego

As of today at least nine (9) community organizers from throughout San Diego and other parts of California have been subpoenaed to appear before a federal grand jury. Presumably, the subpoenas are in relation to a federal investigation of the 2003 burning of a La Jolla apartment complex, which the Earth Liberation Front claimed responsibility for, and which the FBI has admittedly little evidence or credible leads.

A beleaguered San Diego FBI, faltering under revelations of serious intelligence failures in relation to the September 11 attacks, has now rounded up a diverse group of individuals and is compelling them to testify before a grand jury, a move that many activists are describing as a gross abuse of the grand jury process and further sign of growing governmental hostility to legitimate political activity.

Colleen Dietzel is a middle-aged ocean beach resident who runs the Green Store, a place where community members come to purchase environmentally friendly products and learn about environmental issues. Ms. Dietzel was served with a Subpoena on Thursday, compelling her to testify today before the secret tribunal.

Elise Casby, a member of the voting reform organization VOTERR, was served on Friday and required to also appear this morning.

Also among the list of those ordered to appear is Michael Cardenas, a journalist with the San Diego Independent Media Center and RadioActive Radio.

All motions for continuance have been denied to those subpoenaed, despite the fact that their appearances were ordered with only days notice.

The highly controversial grand jury, which is most often reserved for investigations into government corruption, denies individuals the presence of an attorney, the right to remain silent and a number of other cherished constitutional rights. Those who attempt to exercise their Fifth Amendment rights, for whatever reason, can be imprisoned for up to two years in jail.

A number of individuals who have been subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury next week have vowed to contest the legitimacy of the proceedings. A press conference will be held Tuesday, June 28th on the steps of the federal building at 12 noon. A community forum has also been planned to show support for those who have been targeted by the FBI and to discuss federal grand juries and government repression. Online donations are being accepted for the defense committee at www.organiccollective.org

For more information visit www.sdimc.org