Hey friends,
I know it seems like forever ago that Jordan Halliday was
first called to a Grand Jury which he resisted. In a way it was forever
ago, he was first approached by the FBI in 2008 regarding local mink farm
raids in Utah. He refused to cooperate with the FBI and was told he would
face a subpoena to testify in front of a grand jury. Six months later the
FBI followed through, Subpoenaing both Jordan and another 'activist' who
chose to testify. Jordan however chose to resist the grand jury in
protest due to its abusive and archaic nature.
Grand juries are called when the government lacks evidence to indict an
individual for a crime. Witnesses are subpoenaed to testify before the
grand jury in hopes of providing evidence to the prosecution. Little is
known about these secretive proceedings, because all information is
considered sealed and classified. A witness that is called before a grand
jury is not allowed to have a lawyer present with them in the grand jury
room.
In recent years activists have seen an increase in subpoenas to grand
juries. These subpoenas are often used to harass and intimidate legal
above-ground activists, like Jordan feels is the case, in his situation. The
prosecutor can ask any question and if you refuse to answer or if you lie,
you could be held in contempt of court or perjury. With no lawyer present
for the witnesses, prosecutors can often ask for information not relevant to
a crime in hopes to harass, intimidate or 'fish' for information, in a
secretive manner which many consider a modern day witch hunt. Jordan said he
was mainly asked information about his friends, family, and general life and
refused to answer any of them.
Jordan refused to answer any of the questions he was asked, the 3 times
he was subpoenaed. He was incarcerated after his second appearance for
"civil contempt of court".
He eventually was granted immunity. Yet
still refused to cooperate and stayed in jail until the term of the grand
jury expired 4 months later.
Upon release he was indicted with
"criminal contempt of court", and was released on pre-trial pending trial,
eventually he took a non-cooperating plea deal, and was sentenced to 10
months plus 3 years probation under the guidelines low-end range for
"obstruction of justice", which has a 10-16 months recommended range.
He was ordered to report to the federal custody early January, 2011.
Although he was able to stay out on a release pending his appeal, just days
before he was due to present himself.
Jordan and his lawyer filed an
appeal arguing that a guideline range for "failure to appear" which has a
0-6 month recommended range, was more fitting for Jordan, who still to this
day claims he has no knowledge of any illegal underground activity or
actions.
In fact the individuals Jordan was allegedly called in to
testify against, have both already been indicted, convicted, sentenced and
have served their time already, without the help of a testimony by Jordan.
On November 15th, 2011, Jordan's attorney argued their final arguments
before the court of appeals in Denver, Colorado.
Jordan says he felt
a bias and hostility from the beginning and although his lawyer did an
excellent job, felt the judges already had their minds made up.
It
typically takes 3-6 months before a ruling comes back.
Although we remain optimistic that Jordan might still win his appeal and
get the low-end sentence of 0 months, we are also confronting the reality
that he is more likely going back, than staying out.
With the
possibility of prison coming soon for Jordan. We have decided to start
accepting donations again.
Currently he is now only around $350 in
legal debt, although we will continue collecting donations in case of
incarceration.
If Jordan wins his appeal and doesn't end of having to
serve any additional time, we will be distributing the remaining donations
to other political prisoners and activists in need.
You can donate by PayPal by visiting "supportjordan.com", or you can send
a donation or letter of support to:
Jordan Halliday
PO BOX 601
West Jordan, Utah 84084
This is an important case for the future of all activists, radicals and
dissidents.
If his appeal is not heard, he will be going back to prison
for an additional 10 months, this is on top of the 4 he already served.
With a total of 14 months and 3 years probation, he will be serving more
time than the individuals he was called to testify against, who were
convicted under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.
Jordan needs our
support now more than ever. Let him know he hasn't been forgotten in this
long period of legal battles.
We are all proud of Jordan. Please re-post this to as many places as you
can. He needs our support.
-Jordan's Support Committee
Email: SupportJordan@live.com
Post Office Box:
Support Jordan
PO BOX 601
West Jordan, Utah
84084
Website:
http://www.supportjordan.com
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/SupportJH
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-Jordan-Halliday/107550725954849
Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/SupportJordanHalliday
-Animal Defense League of Salt Lake City
www.ADLSLC.org