A federal jury made history on June 11, issuing a stunning ruling against the FBI that vindicates Earth First! activists Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney and upholds the rights of all citizens to organize and create social change. The jury unanimously ruled that the FBI violated constitutional rights and awarded the activists $4.4 million in damages.

Bari and Cherney were traveling to promote "Redwood Summer" in 1990 when a bomb exploded beneath Bari's car seat. Critically injured with a crushed pelvis and broken back, Bari awoke in the hospital with uniformed police officers in her room. They were not there to ensure her safety, however. Both Bari and Cherney were soon arrested and accused of transporting the bomb that injured them.

The charges against Bari and Cherney made national headlines, and caused serious damage to the reputations of these individuals, Earth First!, and efforts to protect the redwood forests. A citizen initiative to protect Headwaters Forests and other ancient forests in the state was on the ballot that year. After the industry launched a vigorous media campaign to link the initiative to "bombers," it failed by less than 2%. Thousands of acres in Headwaters and other ancient forests have fallen since.


Judi worked tenaciously to clear her name after the bombing. She and Darryl filed a federal lawsuit against the FBI and the Oakland Police Department for violating their First and Fourth Amendment rights. Judi was struck by cancer and died before the trial began, but left behind meticulous notes and a strong spirit for others to carry on the work of the case.

EPIC congratulates the entire community of people it took to manifest this victory, and especially the legal team: Dennis Cunningham, Ben Rosenfeld, Tony Serra, Bob Bloom, Bill Simpich, Alicia Littletree, Darryl Cherney, and of course, Judi herself.

More information is available at www.judibari.org, www.indybay.org, the Mendocino Environmental Center, or the Berkeley Ecology Center. A video made by K. Rudin, "Viva Judi Bari," is available from Headwaters Action Video Collective by calling 707-923-1121.