"Today the fate of the SHAC 7 was handed over to the jury, after 3 weeks of
trial. The last two days were filled with closing arguments from both
sides, with the government having the last word today. Unsurprisingly, the
government ended its closing remarks with a slew of misrepresentations,
outright lies about the evidence, and inflammatory remarks (that are
generally precluded by law). Knowing that he could not establish his case
on legal grounds, Charlie McKenna (speaking for the government) attempted
to evoke sympathy and emotion in the jury, avoiding discussing the legal
issues at stake in the case.

One thing is certain. The outcome of this case is of monumental importance
for both the animal liberation movement and all movements. If the
government wins, it is clear that they will move on to accuse anyone
involved in any successful campaign of being involved in a conspiracy and
drag them into court on draconian federal charges.

The verdict should come down in the next couple of days. The defendants
and their supporters know that they are innocent on legal grounds.
Regardless of the outcome of the verdict, there is no doubt that the
campaign to Close Huntingdon Life Sciences will continue and the
defendants' legal battle will continue until they are vindicated.

The outpouring of support from the activist community has been appreciated
and welcomed. News of the outcome will be reported as soon at it is
available."