First stockholders meeting of National Coal Corporation Disrupted : Pittsburgh Indymedia

First stockholders meeting of National Coal Corporation Disrupted
by MJS Tuesday, Jun. 07, 2005 at 6:21 PM

Approximately 45 activists surprised the first-ever shareholders meeting of Knoxville-based National Coal Corporation—the most destructive coal company in Tennessee, at the Holiday Inn Select in west Knoxville.

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June 7, 2005

Approximately 45 activists surprised the first-ever shareholders meeting of Knoxville-based National Coal Corporation—the most destructive coal company in Tennessee, at the Holiday Inn Select in west Knoxville.

The procession, which included a marching band, a bear costume and other animals, found the door to National Coal Corporation’s meeting locked. As a sheriff opened the door, demonstrators demanded that National Coal stop mountaintop removal mining, while distributing informational flyers to shareholders.

The sheriff and National Coal Corporation responded by assaulting protesters with pain compliance and choke holds. Activists disrupted the meeting with chants, drumming, and portable security alarms.

Eventually, the sheriff and National Coal Corporation board members cleared and shut the door. The marching band and chanting continued for another ten minutes until more law enforcement officers arrived. Personal security alarms were still going off as demonstrators exited the building.

Police said protestors could continue the protest outside, but minutes later two protestors were arrested. A journalist was detained for an hour and his camera was temporarily seized. A third protestor was arrested later as people returned to their cars.

Several trumped-up charges were stacked onto three demonstrators after the sheriff was noted to say they ‘were going down.’ The total combined bond for the three activists was $46,000 with a bail out cost of $4,600. Legal funds are desperately needed—to donate, please send checks or money orders to Mountain Justice Summer, PO Box 16309, Knoxville TN 37996. (Please specify the donation is for Legal Fund.).

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by MJS Tuesday, Jun. 07, 2005 at 6:21 PM