from Earth First! Newswire
One activist has been released and 20 remain in Uintah County Jail after yesterday’s blockade of the Utah tar sands processing plant in PR Springs.
The blockade came out of an action camp involving Utah Tar Sands Resistance and Peaceful Uprising, along with Indigenous land defenders from the Lakota, Dine, and other tribes.
According to press reports, 13 activists were arrested for chaining themselves to a fence, while another six were taken into custody for blocking a police van and chanting, “Let them go!”
There have been reports of police brutality, as two activists were injured on site by police. One was rushed to the hospital from the site, and the other was treated at the jail.
According to a post from Peaceful Uprising, “Uintah sheriffs used force to pull the protesters apart, and also targeted those providing media coverage.”
Police canine units were deployed at the site. One dog was unleashed and chasing protesters.
Two more activists were arrested at the jail site for attempting to give jail support to the arrested—for instance, finding out how much bail would be and determining needs. According to Tar Sands Resistance, “An estimated 10 armed deputies with police dogs were standing outside the jail wearing bullet proof vests” to “deter” activists.
Activists have expressed a need for people to “please call Uintah County Jail and demand release of our allies who are PEACEFULLY Expressing their First Amendment right to Free Speech & protecting our land! 435-781-5422″
Also support the bail fund donating here: https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/donate-jail-support-for-the-utah-tar-sand-action