Phoenix, AZ

March 11, 2003

Local peace activist Laro Nicol was taken into custody last Tuesday after his home was raided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Nichol was not home at the time of the raid, which the BATFE claimed was conducted on the basis of a tip given to them through a confidential informant.

During Nicola’s detention hearing on March 7, ATF agent Tristan Moreland stated that materials to make explosive devices, books, and guns were confiscated from the home during the raid. Moreland also indicated that the materials taken were not necessarily illegal and could be purchased at local retailers such as Wal-Mart. No evidence was presented during the hearing that Nicol, a father of three, intended to harm anyone or commit any illegal acts. In spite of this, Judge Dunkin refused to allow Nicol to be released on bail to his family. The lawyer is filing an appeal immediately.

“Laro’s arrest is the result of state repression in wartime,” states Heather Ajani of Phoenix Copwatch, “the judge’s decision to detain Nicol is politically motivated.” The fact that he worked as an air traffic controller made him a vulnerable target. Members of Phoenix Copwatch, who were present at the hearing on Friday are demanding that Nicol’s charges be dropped.

Nicol, the former editor of the newsletter The Current, is a member of Phoenix Copwatch and other peace and justice groups. Phoenix Copwatch is an organization that monitors police in order to prevent police brutality.

Nicol remains in federal custody until his trial, which begins on April 22, 2003.

Funds for legal and family support are being accepted. For more information contact Phoenix Copwatch at copwatch602@hotmail.com.