altogether in austria there are now 40 activists, of whom police and state prosecutor are suggesting to be members of a criminal organisation, and to be charged if the minister of
justice agrees
"On May 21 2008, a violent police operation was carried out leading to the arrest of 10 individuals and the seizing of the materials of a number of legally registered associations, bringing their work effectively to a halt. These arrests were carried out under article 278a of the Austrian criminal code, designed for the indictment of mafia rings and terrorist networks!
The affair seemed to be almost over in September 2008 when those held on remand for over three months without charge and without full access to their files were released following national and international outcry. Alas, the machine set in motion to crush the animal rights movement within Austria is rolling on, in spite of heated public protest against such an aberrant application of article 278a. It would appear that charges are imminent!
The association VGT is now appealing to animal protection groups around the world to sign an open letter in English to the Austrian Minister of Justice. It will be presented to her in less than two weeks."

If your association wishes to sign this letter go to:
 http://www.l214.com/lettres-infos/austrian-solidarity.html