Appeal for funds for Eric McDavid defence fund

from email, 7/29/07

Dear friends,

First of all, let us say thank you to everyone who has supported Eric in the past - financially, with your letters, your pictures, your poetry, and your love. Eric's journey would have been much more difficult and painful without all of you offering your time and energy.

Unfortunately, Eric has now been in jail for over 18 months without having been convicted of any crime. He has constantly stood by his principles during his incarceration - enduring a grueling two week hunger strike to get vegan meals, and maintaining his innocence in the face of his codefendant's cooperation with the government. The accusations against him are chilling in their absurdity - the "conspiracy" charges against Eric call to mind the "thought crime" of George Orwell's 1984.

After paying for all of Eric's legal fees for over a year, his family is in need of assistance. His trial date is approaching (September 10), and the legal fees are mounting. We need to raise $15,000 to ensure that Eric's legal fees - lawyer, investigators, etc - are covered through trial. We must make sure that Eric continues to have the best legal representation possible to fight these outrageous charges and keep the government from draining his family financially.

To that end, we're trying to ask EVERYONE to do whatever they can to help raise money for Eric's legal fees. Please consider holding a fundraiser for Eric - a show, a bakesale, an art auction - whatever you have the know-how and the resources to do. We simply cannot do this alone.

Also, please consider donating directly to "Sacramento Defense Fund" to help cover Eric's legal fees. You can donate directly via the Paypal link below.

Please remember that this is not over. While other folks across the country have taken deals or otherwise settled their cases, Eric's legal struggle continues. We need everyone's love and support right now, but unfortunately, we also need financial assistance. Any contribution is greatly appreciated.

Thank you all,
Friends and Family of Eric McDavid

Background

Eric McDavid was arrested in Auburn, CA on January 13, 2006 as part of the government’s ongoing Green Scare campaign. He now faces two decades in prison.

Eric has been held in solitary confinement at the Sacramento County Main Jail since the day of his arrest. He was arrested along with Zachary Jenson and Lauren Weiner and all three were charged with “conspiracy to destroy property by means of fire or explosives.”

The government’s case is based on the word of a single FBI informant who was paid over $75,000 to fabricate a crime and implicate the trio. Both of Eric’s co-defendants have since caved under the threat of being imprisoned for 20 years and plead guilty to a lesser charge.

In doing so, they also agreed to testify against Eric and cooperate in every way possible, including testifying in front of secret grand jury proceedings.

Eric has been repeatedly denied bail. For over a year, he has only been allowed to leave his cell for a few hours per week and receives very little contact with the outside world.

He needs your support now more than ever, as his trial date is quickly approaching.

http://www.supporteric.org

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