(French below)

Press release from the CSAA - COMMITTEE OF SUPPORT TO ANTISPECIESIST ACTIVISTS

In response to the state repression that has been falling on our comrades since the antispeciesist movement became more offensive, activists against all forms of domination decided to create the first support committee for all activists in the antispeciesist struggle.

Antispeciesism is the struggle against speciesism, which is a systemic oppression that discriminates people based on their species. Human animals exercise domination over all other animals.

Police searches, custody, detention, police violence, judicial supervision and trials: Let’s denounce the repression!

Since 2018, offensive direct actions and autonomous initiatives have multiplied; anonymous activists have chosen to target the speciesist economic system (butcher shops, fishmongers, creameries, restaurants, slaughterhouses…) by (re)using forms of action such as sabotage.

After that:

● Mid-September 2018: six activists from Lille suspected of taking part in window-smashing actions were searched and held in custody for up to 48 hours. Two are under judicial supervision until the trial on May 2.

● Early December 2018: three Swiss activists suspected of sabotage are or have been held at Champ-Dollon prison (Switzerland). Matthias is still in pre-trial detention, awaiting his trial.

● Mid-January 2019: reportedly eight activists from the Paris region suspected of setting fire to a slaughterhouse were held in custody for up to 96 hours. Trial date not set; they are under heavy judicial supervision.

● Early February 2019: four activists from the north suspected of sabotage against speciesist shops and restaurants were searched and then taken into custody... Two were placed under judicial supervision while the other two were remanded in custody. The latter two were sentenced to 18 and 15 months’ imprisonment (including 8 and 9 months suspended) with three years’ probation. The other two received 6 months’ suspended prison each. On May 9, 2019 we will know whether and how the prison sentences are convertible or adapted. They also face fines of several tens of thousands of euros; on December 4, 2019 we will know the amount of damages.

A more complete summary is here: https://csaa.noblogs.org/repression/

This stubbornness of the State and the lobbies to silence us and prevent us from acting through repression is deadly for the victims of speciesism.

Support for activists who carry out direct, offensive action: The committee provides moral and financial support.

Antispeciesism is a struggle for the consideration of the life interests of individuals belonging to other animal species. We do not want reforms; we do not want other animals to be brought into the world, confined or killed in “better conditions.” We simply want other animals to be able to live their lives freely, and we want the destruction of the speciesist system that is at the root of other inequalities.

While legal actions for animal rights have multiplied for decades, no substantial measures have been taken for them. Their status is still that of property.

The Committee of Support to Antispeciesist Activists calls to continue acting in co-resistance with the victims of speciesism and to unite against repression. It also seeks to establish links across prison walls and stands against all jails.

By organizing stalls, solidarity canteens, benefit evenings, workshops and by inviting people to attend trials and write letters to activists in detention, the Committee assists activists facing repression.

The Committee of Support to Antispeciesist Activists encourages unity, sharing, building connections and supporting each other in the face of repression.

To follow CSAA news:

- Website: https://csaa.noblogs.org

- Facebook page: CSAA-Comité de Soutien aux Activistes Antispécistes

contact: [email protected]

Making a donation here to contribute to legal costs is already a way to take part in solidarity against repression. This fund concerns cases for which political and collective defense is ensured by the Committee of Support to Antispeciesist Activists.

You can use this online pot to make a one-time or monthly donation.

To give an idea of the costs incurred, according to minimum legal aid rates, between police custody, immediate appearance and the trial itself, you should expect €600 to €900 per defendant. Police custody represents €60 to €300 (€150 on average), and the same amount if extended by 24 hours; the appearance hearing (even if the trial is postponed) €330; the postponement €250; and if a case is entrusted to an investigating judge you must add at least €1,500. Not to mention appeals.

Whatever the amount, anyone can contribute to this fund. No account or registration is required; it’s quick and payments are 100% secure. Possibility to pay by Credit Card or PayPal.

If you cannot contribute financially, share this fund as widely as possible. THANK YOU!