Liberationist Arrested for Allegedly
Dousing a Fur-Wearer in Paint

SYRACUSE, NY -- Five hours after being released from jail, animal liberationist Jeff Watkins found himself back in the slammer. On Fur Free Friday, cops and security jumped Jeff from behind and -- as is common in Syracuse -- arrested him for doing nothing. He was charged with trespass, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The next day, at his arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance. However, that night Jeff was arrested again - only this time he was charged with harassment, possession of a graffiti instrument, reckless endangerment and felony criminal mischief. Police allege Jeff splattered red paint on a woman wearing a fur coat.

Once taken into custody at the DeWitt Jail, Jeff was stripped completely naked, handcuffed to a bench and interrogated. They wanted to know everything about him, his friends and their involvement with animal rights. Jeff told them nothing but the officers' questioning continued. He was not allowed to sleep or go to the bathroom and the jailers jerked him around by his hair. Still Jeff would not talk.

After enduring the DeWitt Jail for 4 hours, Jeff was finally transferred to the Syracuse City Jail. The cops had previously told Jeff they needed to take his clothes as evidence. However before he was transported, they gave him his clothes back and admitted they just took them to get him to talk. In their own words, he could have "made things easy" for himself had he talked.

When Jeff arrived at the Syracuse City Jail he was put in general population. Jailers were surprised later when Jeff was assigned to a new cell block -- as this block was reserved for the worst of the prisoners. Here he stayed until his parents paid the $3,500 necessary to bail him out.

A support fund has been started to help Jeff with legal costs. Letters of support and donations can be sent to: Animal Defense League, PO Box 6845, Syracuse, NY 13206. Be sure to let ADL know that the money is for the defense of Jeff Watkins.