Anti-MTR Activists Arrested at Massey Facility and Given $100k Bail
EmmaKate Martin and Benjamin Bryant were arrested yesterday while blockading the driveway to Massey Energy’s regional headquarters in Boone county, W.Va. Magistrate Snodgrass set their bails at $100,000 each for misdemeanor charges of trespassing, conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, obstructing an officer, and littering.
Nick Martin, EmmaKate’s older brother and participant in Climate Ground Zero’s campaign of civil resistance, stated “As I hugged my little sister following her arraignment this morning, I was awed by her calmness and high spirits. I admire her courage, and her willingness to put her freedom on the line for the well being of Appalachian communities and the environment. I will worry about her constantly until she is free. My sister is my hero!”
EmmaKate Martin was perched on a platform suspended in a tripod, a structure built with rope and three log poles, and Bryant was locked to the base of a pole. Both Martin and Bryant underwent extensive non-violence training prior to their action. Their banner read “Massey, Profits Before People & Mountains, Fight Back!”
They articulated their motives and the sense of responsibility that impelled them to act in an open letter to Massey shareholders and the American public. The letter can be read at www.climategroundzero.org/openletter. Among their top concerns are mountaintop removal and the Brushy Fork Sludge Impoundment on Coal River Mountain.
Climate Ground Zero’s legal team is researching the legality of the unprecedentedly high bail and will seek legal recourse.
“Boone county is not giving these bails to simply punish EmmaKate and Ben. Boone county, and the state of West Virginia, is using high bail as an intimidation tactic to deter others from standing up for the health of communities and against mountaintop removal and Massey’s mistreatment of workers.” stated Sarah Seeds veteran non-violent activist. 
Massey Energy, the massive coal company responsible for Brushy Fork and most of the mountain top removal mining in the area have been under increased national scrutiny since a deadly explosion rocked the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia last month.
An ongoing NPR investigation has found that the mine was plagued by persistent problems with airflow in the weeks before the blast, and that the FBI is focused both on the airflow problems and on possible tampering with safety monitors as part of its criminal probe.
If you feel compelled to provide financial assistance to these two activists, who are fighting fearlessly for the protection of our mountains, streams, and the thousands of people that live in Appalachian mountain communities, click HERE for information about how to donate to their cause.
Top Image: Bryant and Martin being removed by authorities. Credit: Boone Examiner
Headshots: www.climategroundzero.org
This story is truly amazing. For people to be so selfless is inspirational to say the least. Best wishes to the two of you!