The Progressive

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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Kim Huynh, Nikole Browne, Tar Sands Blockade spokespeople, 940-268-5375, kxlblockade@gmail.com

Tar Sands Blockade, NacSTOP, and Concerned Residents Host Vigil for Arrested Pipeline Protestors

TransCanada continues policy of intimidation, bullying, and bankruptcy for those who stand up to fraud and theft

WASHINGTON

Tar Sands Blockade, NacSTOP, and SFA Texas Environment Awareness Movement (TEAM) working in concert with other concerned Nacogdoches citizens are hosting a solidarity rally followed by a solemn candlelight vigil at the Cherokee County Jail in support of those arrested for standing up to TransCanada's threat to fresh water supplies and property rights. Many Nacogdoches and Cherokee County residents present at yesterday's actions will be in attendance.

"The outrageous escalation of violence against and endangerment of the lives of peaceful protesters has appalled the greater Nacogdoches community. In response, we remain resolved to stopping construction of TransCanada's toxic tar sands pipeline while continuing to support our friends and loved ones in Cherokee County Jail," explained Kim Huynh, a Tar Sands Blockade spokesperson. "Standing up for private property rights and access to clean water, land, and air through peaceful protest does not warrant such violent repression. TransCanada's continued transgressions against our friends and families only strengthens our resolve to be visible and prominent in our calls for justice. The pipeline must not be built.

Yesterday was one of the biggest actions yet when over 120 people rallied from across the Nacogdoches community to help shut down two Keystone XL construction sites for the day. The Mass Action resulted in 11 arrests including 4 people who locked themselves to KXL machinery and 3 others who climbed trees in the path of this toxic pipeline. The blockaders are facing unprecedented and trumped up felony charges. TransCanada is pushing hard for the escalated criminalization of civil disobedience and peaceful protest against its dangerous pipeline.

WHO: Tar Sands Blockade is a coalition of Texas and Oklahoma landowners and climate justice organizers using peaceful and sustained civil disobedience to stop the construction of the dangerous Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. NacSTOP is a long-dedicated group of East Texans organizing to stop tar sands oil permanently. SFA TEAM promotes sustainability within the community of Nacogdoches, Texas and around the campus of Stephen. F. Austin State University through action and public education. Many other members from the greater Nacogdoches and Cherokee County region will be present as well.

WHAT: A solidarity rally with signs, banners, speech, and song followed by a solemn candlelight vigil at sundown.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 20, 2012

5pm - Solidarity Rally

6pm - Candlelight Vigil

WHERE: Cherokee County Jail, 272 Underwood Street, Rusk, TX

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

Visuals: Banners, signs, diverse and multigenerational crowds, candlelight vigil at sundown

Interview Opportunities: Nacogdoches area residents and friends of those arrested, Tar Sands Blockade spokespersons, regional supporters.