Media as the Judge: the case of accused 'Eco-Terrorist' Tre Arrow

American Environmentalist and refugee hopeful Tre Arrow has been incarcerated in Canada for over two years now. While awaiting an extradition hearing which would see him returned to his native country, the United States, Tre's case has gained international attention. In the spring of 2004, Tre held an astonishing 44 day hunger strike in solidarity with all those suffering around the world as a result of corporate agendas which leave in their wake poisoned water, contaminated air and lack of adequate food. Tre was reduced to a deathly 81 pounds. His lawyer, Rudolf Kischer, told the Globe and Mail, "He looks like a Holocaust victim, it [is] horrifying."

The United States Government is seeking Tre's extradition in connection with the destruction of logging equipment in Oregon, 2001. The Crown's main evidence against Tre is the testimony of Jacob Sherman. Sherman, who was convicted of the crimes, received a plea bargain after four days of intense FBI interrogation. Sherman received an unheard of 3 /1/2 years in prison which was contingent on his testimony that paints Tre Arrow as the mastermind of the crimes.

This case is highly political, and Tre is constantly referred to in the Corporate Media as an "Eco-Terrorist". Although Judge James Redden in his ruling on the 2001 arson case against Jacob Sherman, stated that The term 'terrorist' is not to be used in reference to this case or the defendants, the FBI and the Corporate Media continue to sell news and divide the movement by branding Tre as an 'Eco-Terrorist'. Trial, in the Corporate Media court, discredits innocent individuals and destroys the legal premise of innocent until proven guilty. The term 'Terrorist' is currently by far the best selling word in the Corporate Media, and by using the word 'Terrorist', the media has instills a level of fear that can convict an individual before the trial even starts.

Throughout the winter and spring of 2005, members of the Tre Arrow Defense Committee traveled across Canada and extensively in British Columbia on a speaking tour entitled: "The Media as the Judge: The case of accused 'Eco-Terrorist' Tre Arrow." The aim of the tour was to expose the role of the Corporate Media in Tre's case. Refusing to use the words 'accused', 'alleged' or even 'suggested' before calling Tre an 'Eco-Terrorist' implies that he has had a trial and been convicted. Tre has never stepped one foot into a court room to face these charges, let a lone been convicted of them. Stating that an individual is guilty before their trial is undemocratic and unjust. By playing this game, the Corporate Media has been able to convince society across the continent that Tre is an 'Eco-Terrorist'.

The Media as the Judge speaking tour toured Canada speaking out about the Corporate Media's role in Tre's case, as well as the reasons why Tre is facing the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars for the alleged crimes of arson. What is happening to Tre could conceivably happen to any hardworking defender of the planet and its people. By supporting him in this time of need, we show each other and ourselves, that friends will not be left behind. Solidarity with Political Prisoners starts at home. If Tre is extradited, he will face up to 80 years in a US prison. No one is free until we are all free.

For more information: tre@riseup.net

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