A Call for Courage and Action

As we close out 2024, the world feels like it’s at a pivotal moment -- wildfires and hurricanes rage; democracy teeters; communities are under siege from brutal police crackdowns and far right political violence; and we are living through a burgeoning, relentless assault on fundamental rights. The work Civil Liberties Defense Center does -- defending the earth and all living things -- has never been more essential, and we are stretched to the brink.

History has taught us that standing in silence is not an option when the stakes are high. CLDC is here to defend those who take courageous action in the face of state violence and oppression, whether they are protesting pipelines or standing against the criminalization of reproductive rights or resisting war around the globe. Our use of the necessity defense -- arguing that breaking the law is justified to prevent a greater, imminent harm – is just one of the things that sets us apart as a vital legal force in these moments of crisis.

Protesters fill the street, holding up signs.

Reflecting on 2024: CLDC's Impact in the Fight for A Liberatory Society

This year, CLDC fought on numerous legal fronts, supporting activists, frontline defenders, and those targeted by state oppression and violence. Here are just a few highlights of our 2024 work:

Florida FACE Act (U.S) v. Jane’s Revenge: We zealously defended pro-choice activists Amber Smith-Stewart, Annarella Rivera, Gabriella Oropesa, and Caleb Freestone as they faced unprecedented federal charges under the FACE Act for graffitiing anti-abortion offices. We were successful in avoiding convictions under the FACE Act, and Amber, Anna and Caleb chose to plead to a conspiracy charge as harm reduction in the face of going to trial in one of the most conservative federal districts in the country Gaby heads to trial in December). Their sentencing under this distorted use of the law sends a chilling message, Amber and Annarella will do less than 30 days and Caleb will do about 10 months in federal prison-- we continue to have their backs as they now prepare to serve their sentences and hope you will support them too! (U.S. v. Freestone, et. al, US District Court for the Middle District of Florida)
Alissa Azar v. Proud Boys: Independent journalist Alissa Azar was wrongfully targeted and arrested while covering Portland-area protests, facing serious felony charges for protecting herself from assault while doing her job. Alissa’s case represents a larger attack on press freedom and accountability, and CLDC is standing by her side, fighting to ensure that journalists’ rights are protected. (State v. Azar, Oregon Circuit Court for Clackamas County)
Boudjerada v. City of Eugene: In a major civil rights victory, we successfully challenged the unconstitutional city-wide curfew imposed during the George Floyd protests in Eugene, Oregon. The court’s ruling against the city affirmed the importance of protecting First Amendment rights during protests, but we now must defend against the city’s appeal. This is yet another example of the continued battle against the “qualified immunity” doctrine that undermines justice for activists. Boudjerada et. al. v. City of Eugene, US District Court for the Eugene District of Oregon)
Mountain Valley Pipeline: Our work defending Rising Tide North America continues after we successfully won a motion to dismiss from a Virginia state court judge. This Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) filed by climate destroyer Mountain Valley Pipeline is another example of a frivolous lawsuit meant to intimidate and silence dissent, but we won't let our clients get waylaid by this burdensome and frivolous legal tactic. We are awaiting further action by the Court at this time. (MVP v. RTNA, et. al., Virginia Circuit Court for Montgomery County)
Climate Defenders v. Big Brother: We made significant strides in our lawsuit against the Oregon Department of Justice’s Titan Fusion Center, which was caught illegally spying on climate activists and nonprofit organizations opposing the Jordan Cove LNG pipeline. Oregon law prohibits law enforcement from collecting information on political activities without reasonable suspicion of a crime. We will continue to move this case forward to put an end to government overreach and ensure that activist movements are not chilled by illegal state surveillance. (Rogue Climate, et. al. v. Oregon Dept. of Justice, Oregon Circuit Court for Marion County)
Poemoceah v. North Dakota Police: Standing Rock Water Protector Eric Poemoceah won his federal appeal after years of fighting against the horrendous police brutality he endured while defending sacred land during the 2016-17 pipeline protests. This legal victory holds law enforcement accountable for their violent actions against peaceful protestors and serves as a crucial step toward justice for Indigenous land defenders. Eric Poemoceah v. Morton County, et. al., US District Court for North Dakota)
A15 Anti-War Protests: On April 15, activists around the country and the world engaged in powerful collective actions to disrupt war economies and bring global attention to the atrocities occurring in Gaza, Palestine, and now Lebanon. CLDC is in the middle of a long string of jury trials representing over 20 of these activists in Eugene, defending their acts of civil disobedience and using necessity defenses and other constitutional law challenges as a means of amplifying the politics surrounding these cases. American history now lauds anti-war activists who stood up in the face of human suffering and war crimes. CLDC is proud to defend this current generation of anti-war activists who are demanding a stop to war crimes and genocide.

These are just a few of our cases -- the list goes on, highlighting the escalating state repression targeting strategic and effective environmental and social justice campaigns throughout the United States. When combined with a shortage of public defense attorneys along with the increasing severity of the charges and punishments imposed on activists, our role in providing strategic pro bono movement-aligned legal representation in the courts becomes even more vital.

2025: Expanding Legal Capacity to Meet the Growing Urgency
As we look toward 2025, we face an urgent need to grow our legal team. The frontline activists who need us the most are often not in a position to financially support our work. Remember when that was you or someone you love?

These brave people put everything on the line to fight for a sustainable climate and liberated planet, and it’s our duty to ensure they have the legal defense they need—so if you are no longer on that frontline, please contribute by financially supporting our work so we can support them. We’re at maximum capacity, and the need for at least two more movement lawyers is critical. Your contribution ensures we can continue to stand with activists and defend them as political people in the courthouses and contribute legal knowledge and strategy for their work in the streets and corporate boardrooms. As you know, the cases we take on are not just legal battles -- they are critical to fighting fascism and protecting the right to protest, bodily autonomy, and environmental defense.

You’ve heard us ask for your support before, and now, more than ever, we need you to take action. The time to defend our rights is before they’re taken away. Every dollar donated helps fund pro bono legal defense, impact litigation, Know Your Rights & Risks trainings, and our other civil liberties work.

Your Support Matters
Whether you can donate $20 a month or make a one-time contribution of $1,000, your support is essential to our mission. CLDC exists because of you, and we are deeply committed to having your back. Together, we will continue to dismantle oppressive systems and protect the rights of those on the frontlines. Thank you for your ongoing trust and support. With your help, we can meet this moment and continue fighting for a more just, liberated future.

We are readying for the challenges ahead -- will you join us?

In solidarity,

Lauren Regan, Director of Litigation & Advocacy

Marianne Dugan, Director of Civil Litigation & General Counsel

River McKenzie, Director of People & Culture

Carrie Tully, Director of Fundraising & Engagement

CLDC's 2024 End of Year Fundraising Appeal

By Civil Liberties Defense Center

CLDC's 2024 End of Year Fundraising Appeal

A Call for Courage and Action

Team Members