Jeff "Free" Luers is an anarchist and environmental activist from Eugene, Oregon currently serving a twenty-two year prison sentence for arson. In 2000 he set fire to three SUV's as a protest against global warming along with Craig Marshall , who was sentenced to five and a half years. Supporters argue that he is a political prisoner, due to his abnormally long sentence; they point out that sentences for arson and even crimes such as rape are generally much shorter, and that Luers was not endangering any human being, only destroying property in an act of direct action.
Jeff Luers describes the motivation for his act: In an act of resistance designated to raise awareness and draw attention to a problem that affects every human being, every animal, every plant, and every form of life on this planet. I am speaking of global warming, air, soil and water pollution. We are in the midst of a global environmental crisis.
He has become a cause célèbre among anarchists, radicals, anti-prison activists, and people associated with the Earth Liberation Front.
Each year since his imprisonment, there has been some call to action in his support around the anniversary of his sentencing. On June 12th, 2004, there were demonstrations in several places in the United States, along with events in other countries. There were also a number of concerts, video showings, and dinners to raise support for Luers. In Moscow, supporters spray painted "Free Jeff Luers!" on a wall outside of the American Embassy. The FBI issued a warning to various businesses and media outlets that actions it calls "eco-terrorism" might have occurred around this date. No such actions occurred, and activists claimed that the FBI was using scare tactics to intimidate its opponents. A similar "Weekend of Resistance" will take place from June 10th to 12th of 2005, with actions planned worldwide.
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Last updated: 05-23-2005 00:54:55
