Hey Everyone,
Whew - what a trip!! This was the absolute BIZARREst thing I have ever gone through.....
I was unexpectedly released from the St. Claire County Jail (Illinois) at 5pm on Tuesday [10/26/99], my 22nd day in custody on hunger strike. I was home in California a little more than 24 hours later. For anyone who doesn't know, the reason I was released was that the US Attorney apparently filed a motion stating that I had cooperated and "provided" them with handwriting samples, etc. which I most certainly did NOT!
My lawyer and I held a press conference at the Federal Courthouse the following morning stating to the media that I had not complied. One TV station went live from the press conference and I did interviews with several media outlets throughout the day (literally all the way up until I boarded the plane) and have done several more from home since. Once the US Attorney was bombarded with media he reportedly changed his story to "we obtained everything we needed". So, I'm guessing they intercepted letters that I'd written from jail and decided to call it quits at that.
I don't think I really have anything else to report that hasn't already been reported. Just want to point out that this grand jury case was the perfect example of why activists should NEVER talk to cops. The person who was interviewed by the FBI likely didn't think that they said anything that would do anyone any harm but the agents of repression twisted their words and made it enough to get a subpoena [to summon me to the grand jury]. Just DON'T talk to them EVER!!!
Anyway, I'm very happy to be home with my wonderful critters (did everyone see Alexxis' picture on the No Compromise web page? - isn't she BEAUTIFUL???) and they're very happy to have me home (and much sooner than expected!)..... We've been catching up on lots of snuggling around here (and still have lots more to do!)!!
I lost about 20 pounds (I can actually fit into several pairs of old jeans that I haven't worn in years, thus doubling my wardrobe!!) and am just today able to eat normal food - though very little - without feeling sick.
Other than that, I can't wait to get to work on the very-behind-schedule new issue of "No Compromise" and kick the fur trade's butt this season - I feel stronger and more commmitted than ever!!! This little episode will NOT have the desired effect of slowing me down one bit - in fact, quite the opposite.
I really want to thank everyone for all the support, which I credit my speedy release to. There's no doubt in my mind that US Attorney David Rosen motioned for my release because of the pressure from everyone on the outside. And the letters of support and books that people sent is surely what kept me going on the inside as well as news of the protests and ALF actions!! So MANY thanks to everyone who helped out, especially David Hayden, my Mommy (who almost got arrested at Anheuser Busch last week and called the US Attorney, Judge and jail about a ZILLION times!), ACT UP and my lawyer, Jennifer Brewer who can be thanked by sending a note or card to:
Jennifer Brewer
1632 Barkwood Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63031
Guess that's all I have to say now. If anyone has any questions about anything, feel free to e-mail me: FreeGina@yahoo.com. I'll do my best to write back to folks who wrote me in jail but it will take a while and I haven't even gotten my letters and stuff back from my lawyer yet.
Never Compromise,
Gina