Judge dismisses federal terror charges against animal rights activists accused in CA protests

Terror charges dismissed against animal activists

SAN JOSE, Calif. — A federal judge has dismissed charges against four animal rights activists accused of violating a rarely enforced anti-terrorism law while protesting at University of California scientists’ homes.

U.S. District Judge Ronald M. Whyte on Monday tossed out the indictments against Maryam Khajavi, of Pinole; Joseph Buddenberg, of Berkeley; Adriana Stumpo, of Long Beach; and Nathan Pope, of Oceanside.

The judge says the charges were not specific enough.

The four were charged under the federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act for allegedly using force, violence or threats to interfere with animal research.

Prosecutors say they participated in threatening demonstrations in early 2009 at the homes of UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz scientists whose research involves animals.