AUBURN ARRESTEE ERIC MCDAVID ON HUNGER STRIKE! CALL THE JAIL NOW!

March 10, 2006

On March 8 we were informed by Eric McDavid’s lawyer that he is now on hunger strike. Eric McDavid On Hunger Strike Sacramento Prisoner Support March 9, 2006 Sacprisonersupport[at]riseup[dot]net On March 8 we were informed by Eric McDavid’s lawyer that he is now on hunger strike. Last month there was some confusion regarding this issue. At the beginning of February Eric engaged in a brief fast because he could not cope with the food that the jail provided. This was incorrectly interpreted as the beginning of a hunger strike. Later he was interviewed by a jail nutritional nurse who recommended that he be given two vegan protein shakes a day. Eric patiently waited and went through all channels to get these shakes. Finally, after extensive inquiry his family found out that the doctor had denied Eric the shakes, citing the need for a “health reason”. Eric believes that it is the jail’s

responsibility to feed him and has stopped buying food from the commissary. In a declaration submitted to Judge England, Eric wrote “I have done everything possible to get a vegan diet here at the jail, without success. I have written to the jail medical staff, had numerous meetings with jail supervisors, done everything. They will simply not provide me with a vegan diet, for whatever reason.” Without food from the commissary Eric had no protein sources in his diet and was living off of bread and frozen fruit. Then on March 8 Eric informed his lawyer he had stopped eating and began a hunger strike. Eric’s veganism has not been taken seriously by the court, but it is an important way of life for him. As he wrote in his declaration, “…my vegan beliefs and morality are animated by the way of living which shows a respect for all life, recognizing the rights of living creatures…It is a truly ethical relationship between humans and other living creatures…It is healthier for me and

the planet I live on.” It is clear that the Sacramento County Jail has no such concerns. Eric’s attorney has been untiring in his attempts to improve Eric’s confinement conditions while simultaneously working towards Eric’s ultimate release. He has appealed the denial of bail, noting in his written motion that Eric is not allowed outdoor exercise or vegan food, is having his mail held up and is being denied a wide range of privileges usually granted to pretrial detainees. Thus far these efforts have fallen on deaf ears. For the time being, we are asking that people continue to call, write and fax the jail to request vegan meals for Eric McDavid (x-ref #2972521).This is extremely important. Without any food or nutrition Eric’s health will quickly deteriorate. In the past, jail personnel have lied to Eric’s supporters about his health and his food. Please familiarize yourself with the facts and do not be deterred. In addition, we are asking all of Eric’s supporters

to write letters to Judge England via Eric’s attorney Mark Reichel, and ask that he issue an order, to the Sacramento County Jail, that they provide Eric McDavid with vegan food daily, for the remainder of his time there. Please DO NOT send your letter directly to Judge England. Instead, please send them directly to Eric’s lawyer: Mark Reichel 655 University Ave. Suite 215 Sacramento, CA 95825 Please include the following at the top of your letter: Judge England U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California-Sacramento 501 “I” Street Sacramento, CA 95814 How you can contact the jail to request he be given vegan meals: Sacramento County Main Jail 651 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916.874.6752 Sheriff Lou Blanas 916.874.7146 916.874.5332 fax sheriff Please email sacprisonersupport[at]riseup[dot]net with any questions.

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