2 September- just heard that prisoners have been released. Hooray! Not sure re state of play regarding international solidarity day- will post more as I recieve it. Meanwhile do not travel without checking with organisers.

Latest update regarding the prisoners situation (for background see below); 1 prisoner has been temporarily released due to his deteriorating mental state following months of solitary confinement. Please visit www.austriasolidarity.com who are asking each of us to send a letter to Dr Maria Berger Austrian minister of justice (?!). There is a suggested format available on the website. International Solidarity Day is 5 September 2008 see weblink for more details.

Background; On 21 May 2008 24 house and office armed raids in Austria resulted in 10 arrests of peaceful animal rights campaigners. To date none of the arrested people have been charged. Seven have been on hunger strike since their arrest to protest against their treatment and the confiscation of books, computers, mobiles and research. Those arrested include Dr Martin Balluch and Felix, chair of the Austrian Vegan Society who are guilty of raising public awareness of the mistreatment of animals and successfully managing to achieve a ban on battery cages in 2004, use of wild animals in circuses, and fur farms. Check out the Austrian Vegan Soc website for more info and Vegan Society for their press release on the situation. Messages of support to the prisoners gratefully received by vgt.

Check out this story on www.austriasolidarity.com.