Jeff Luers

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Jeff Luers in the winter of 2004

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 SUVs as a protest against global warming along with Craig Marshall, who was sentenced to five and a half years in prison. 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 intentionally endangering any human being, only destroying property in an act of direct action. Opponents argue that this act constituted eco-terrorism, there could easily have been loss of life due to the unpredictable nature of arson, and Luers' complete lack of remorse[1], along with an apparent willingness to perpetuate further violent acts, makes him a risk to society.

He has become a cause célèbre among anarchists, radicals, anti-prison activists, and people associated with the Earth Liberation Front, although Luers has said that he does not consider himself an ELF member. ^{[citation needed]}[2]

Each year since his imprisonment, there has been some call to action in his support around the anniversary of his sentencing. On June 12, 2004, there were demonstrations in several places in the United States, along with events in other countries.^{[citation needed]} 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 acts of eco-terrorism might occur 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" took place June 10-12, 2005, with events occurring worldwide.[3]

[edit] Quotes

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.[4]