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02-Dec-2002

Nonviolent animal rights activist on 35th day of hunger strike

by: Buffalo Field Campaign

Montana: Buffalo Field Campaign
Urgent Update

In a recent update, we reported that Randall Mark is currently serving a 60-day sentence in Missoula, Montana. Mark, a long-time BFC volunteer, was arrested on 30 April, 2002 on Horse Butte, on the 610 road - the same road which witnessed the murder of a bull bison just ten days ago (11/21/02) by the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL). He was standing near a non-violent road blockade of the 610 road, which is used every winter to lead large herds of buffalo to their imprisonment at the Horse Butte capture facility and likely execution in the slaughter house. Randall's arrest -- for not CARRYING ID -- was dismissed, but the fact that he went limp after that false arrest was basis for a 60-day sentence in the judgement of the court.

In the Missoula Detention Facility, where Randall is being held, there are no healthy provisions for vegan prisoners. Mark has followed a vegan diet, which excludes all foods derived from animal sources, for years. The jail serves fruit, vegetables and grains to prisoners who also eat meat, but the vegan option, called "Nutriloaf," is unaccompanied by those important additions. Nutriloaf is a mixture of beans, vegetables and flour that is baked and served by itself. Considered a "punishment food," it is being turned down by Mark, who is requesting a healthy diet.

Randall is on his thirty-fifth day of a hunger strike for healthy food. His spirits are high, but his physical health is in jeopardy. He has trouble standing for longer than fifteen minutes, and his strength is waning. Susan Hintz, who could order him an appropriate diet, feels that Mark is doing fine, even though he has not been visited by one of the jail's doctors.

Randall needs our help now.

Please take immediate action:

******* CALL SUSAN HINTZ AT THE MISSOULA COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY
+1 406 829-4000
Press "1" , "1" to get through the automatic answering system, then ask to speak to Hintz. Ask her why the jail won't serve Randall Mark an appropriate vegan diet. Tell her that Nutriloaf is a punishment food, and that Randall must not be tortured by starvation. Demand for him a diet of healthy grains and beans, fruit and vegetables. Speak from your heart about what you believe.

******* ATTEND THE RALLY FOR RANDALL AT THE MISSOULA COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY
WEDNESDAY, 4 DECEMBER at 11:30 AM - call +1 406 961 0171 for more info.
The detention facility is located at 2340 Mullan Road in Missoula (between Reserve and Russell). Please bring a friend and come stand in solidarity with Randall as he approaches the 40th day of his hunger strike.

******* WRITE A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO RANDALL MARK:
MISSOULA COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY, 2340 MULLAN RD, MISSOULA, MONTANA 59808, USA
On behalf of Randall, and all of us, I thank you...

Jonas Ehudin
Media Coordinator, BFC
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