We wondered if your group would be interested in joining with us, in an effort to help fellow activists, on trial for demo`s outside Sequani laboratory. They have been refused any financial help with their considerable travelling expenses, and have been told their only option is to be `remanded in custody`. As they all live miles away from the Crown Court, and have to travel, daily, by train, this is a real concern for them. We feel, as they are fighting this `test-case` on behalf of all of us in the Animal Rights Movement, that we can best support them, by making a collection amongst the `grass-roots` groups, and dividing whatever is given, between the 6 defendants,so that,at least, their expenses would be one less problem, for them. We, at Coventry Animal Alliance, have donated £50, and would be most grateful if your group ( or any individuals ) can contribute any amount , large or small. If you wish to send a donation, cheques/postal orders, should be made payable to `West Midlands Animal Action` and sent to -

West Midlands Animal Action,
PO Box 10202,
Redditch,
Worcs B98 8YT

We feel sure that, like us, you will want to support these activists, who are facing up to 5 years imprisonment, if found guilty under the Section 145 SOCPA law ( Interfering with the contractual relationships of a Laboratory ) . A law which will affect the right of all of us, to hold demo`s, however peaceful, in the future ! We have attended this trial several times during this last two weeks, and know `first-hand` that the total ban on all reporting, the buss-ing of the jurors, to and from court, `for their protection ` some witnesses giving their `evidence behind screens, and everyone scanned, entering the building, and again before being allowed into the court-room, ( even our mobile phones were taken, before we were let into the court, the woman collecting them, said that was a `first` ) are part of the shocking `bias`, intended, to give the impression that ARA`s are a danger to witnesses, jurors and the world in general, in an effort to secure convictions,, against 5 women and a man, for holding placards !.

Please would you forward this e-mail to any `grass-roots` groups or individuals, who might be interested

With thanks,
Ann. CAA


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Please Note - The above appeal relates to trial number 1. A second trial, involving another 5 peaceful campaigners, is scheduled to start in July.

You can find out more about the campaign to stop animal torture at Sequani on the campaign website  http://sequani.wordpress.com/