By Erika Oblea Contributing Writer Friday, March 20, 2009 Category: News > City > Courts
Four animal rights activists who allegedly threatened UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz animal researchers were charged yesterday with violating the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.
The activists, including Berkeley resident Joseph Buddenberg, 25, are charged with two counts of violating the act-conspiracy and the use of force, violence and threats involving animal enterprises.
Buddenberg and the other defendants, Pinole resident Maryam Khajavi, 20, Adriana Stumpo, 23, and Nathan Pope, 26, pleaded not guilty because they feel they have the right to express their opinions, according to Kali Grech, an attorney defending Khajavi.
"They're being charged because they exercised their right to express dissent, speaking out against the UC Regents' system that is using funds to torture animals needlessly," Grech said.
If found guilty of all charges, the activists-arrested in late February-could face up to 10 years in prison.
Grech said about 30 people rallied on the court steps yesterday morning in support of the activists' efforts.
A trial date has not been set, but the defendants are expected to appear at a San Jose federal courthouse on April 13 to discuss further details.
