Austrian police question 10 animal rights activists suspected of arson

Canadian Press ^ | 5/24/2008

[markomalley]

VIENNA, Austria — Austrian authorities say they are questioning 10 animal rights activists suspected of arson, sabotage and other crimes.

Investigators say six of the suspects have been placed in pretrial detention for their alleged involvement in militant animal rights groups.

Officials allege that the suspects are behind numerous arson fires and vandalism targeting food, clothing, pharmaceutical and agricultural companies.

Prosecutors say the 10 were arrested earlier this week after a monthslong investigation into radical animal rights groups.

Austrian media reported today that one of the suspects has begun a hunger strike while in custody.

Investigators say the suspects used various aliases and allegedly had links to an international network.

[GAB-1955]

I find the international connections to be interesting. This is like dealing with Communists in the 1940s and 1950s... round up the activists and leave the fellow-travelers complaining. It works, but there are going to be cries of “Austrian cruelty” from the activists—don't we see they're only doing this for our own good?

[jazusamo]

It would be great if they include these four fugitives of The Family from the Pacific Northwest.

Rebecca J. Rubin

Josephine Sunshine Overaker

Justin Franchi Solondz

Joseph Dibee

[george76]

Sounds like the fugitives of The Family have been busy.