JEFF "FREE" LUERS

Jeffrey Luers, #13797671
OSP, 2605 State Street
Salem, OR 97310
Free's Defense Network
POB 3, Eugene, OR 97440
freefreenow@mutualaid.org

In June 2001, 23 year-old forest defense activist Jeffrey "Free" Luers was
sentenced to 22 years and 8 months in prison for the burning of three
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV's) in Eugene, Oregon. To make a statement
about global warming, Jeff and his codefendant, Craig 'Critter' Marshall,
set fire to 3 Sport Utility Vehicles at a Eugene car dealership. Their
stated purpose was to raise awareness about global warming and the role
that SUVs play in that process. No one was hurt in this action nor was
that the intent. An arson specialist at trial confirmed that the action
did not pose any threat to people based on its size and distance from any
fuel source. Despite the fact that this action hurt no one, caused only
$40,000 in damages and the cars were later resold, Jeff was sent to prison
for a sentence considerably longer than those convicted of murder,
kidnapping and rape in Oregon state. Jeff is a political prisoner and continues to write and agitate for his release while imprisoned at Oregon State Penitentiary. His appeal was filed in January 2002 and he awaits a hearing before the Oregon Court of Appeals.