From surveillance and visits to activists homes, to the illegitimate incarceration of a vocal animal rights activist, those young people who have tried to make the world a more just place for all, have had the attempted disruption of their lives and activities. In the 1960 s and 70 s the Federal Bureau of Investigation s CoIntelPro program infiltrated, disrupted, and illegally incarcerated activists from the black power and anti-war movements. In the 1990 s with the rise of the anti-globalization movement we see similar tactics being used by the Bureau. In communities where the ELF and ALF have been operating the local police and FBI have been waging a campaign of intimidation and harassment against vocal activists.
Long Island is no exception.
As these increased in frequency and more attention was paid by the press to these actions, the police began to investigate radical activists who participated in civil disobedience and direct action demonstrations against globalization and animal cruelty. This was the most recent consequence I have experienced in my life for my dedication to animal rights and environmental activism here on Long Island. This charge of criminal mischief in the 2nd degree follows almost 2 years of surveillance, wiretaps, arrest, beatings, and harassment I endured as a result of my convictions. As a young animal rights activist and outspoken member of the Animal Defense League, Andy Stepanian has been a focus of the witch hunts of local and federal investigators. Since 1999 the ADL has been involved in numerous campaigns of legal protest against Macy s selling of fur as well as smaller fur retail outlets.