After nine and a half years in prison, forest defense activist Jeff “Free” Luers was released from prison. A statement announcing his release reads in part:
Jeff “Free” Luers, political prisoner and environmental activist, was released from the Columbia River Correctional Institution this morning after serving nine and half years. Luers was originally sentenced in 2001 to twenty two years and eight months for the politically motivated arson of three SUV’s at a car dealership in Eugene, OR. This sentence was deemed grossly disproportionate to the damage sustained by the car dealership and was condemned by legal professionals, human rights groups and activists worldwide. At an appeal hearing in 2007 it was ruled that Luers’ original sentence was illegal, and was consequently reduced to ten years.
Upon his release Luers said:
“The last 9½ years have been difficult at best. I have witnessed things in prison that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I have endured hardship and loss. Without a doubt, this experience has changed me. What hasn’t changed is my commitment to environmental and social justice.”
“I would like to thank all the people who have supported me through the years; especially the dedicated few who worked tirelessly to get me out of prison. I look forward to spending time with my loved ones and continuing my education, as well as continuing my activism.”
Over his more than nine years in prison, Jeff Luers remained committed to radical environmentalism by continuing to write about the destruction of the environment and global climate change—the issues that motivated him to take the actions for which he was imprisoned. Many of his writings are archived on his website, including the zine Heartcheck that he produced with fellow political prisoner Rob “Los Ricos” Thaxton.
Luers was able to remain involved in radical politics because there was an active movement that supported him outside of prison. In addition to his support committee, anarchists and others kept up correspondence with Luers and helped disseminate his writings—something that is essential if anarchists are going to remain a part of the movement while in prison.
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