[imc-sheffield] press release - 2

[atw]

Here's the press release with notes etc. If you think I've missed
anything say so.

I've done it for release later today so the story can play with the
"one week and still no word" story. Otherwise it might seem a bit old.

We still don't have a phone number - can't use mine coz I'll be away
so anyone with a mobile up for it just in case they want to ask some
questions?

Finally where do we send it to? The Star, Yorkshire Post and erm...
where else? National papers? Local Radio/TV??? Suggestions welcome.

steve



Sheffield Indymedia

sheffield at indymedia.org

PO Box 1251
Sheffield S11 8XG

Embargo: 00.01am Thursday 14th October


Sheffield Web Site Seized by the FBI
------------------------------------

It's now been one week since FBI agents barged into the offices of a
London based web hosting company and seized computer equipment
containing the Sheffield alternative news web site Sheffield
Indymedia.

The equipment seized also affected around 20 other Indymedia web sites
from Europe to South America. Yet still neither the FBI, the
Government or the police have offered any explanation to Indymedia as
to why their servers have been seized or to where they have been
taken.

Rackspace, the web hosting company, issued a limited statement saying
that they were acting in compliance with "a Mutual Legal Assistance
Treaty (MLAT), which establishes procedures for countries to assist
each other in investigations such as international terrorism,
kidnapping and money laundering". They also said a court order is
prohibiting them from making any further comments about the seizure.
[8]

Volunteers from Sheffield Indymedia [1] are furious about the incident
and believe that Sheffield MP and Home Secretary David Blunkett must
have sanctioned the MLAT in the first place. They are writing to Mr
Blunkett demanding an explanation.


sheffield at indymedia.org

Phone no: ????? any mobile users want to offer their number?



Notes for the editor
--------------------

1  Indymedia is believed to be the largest all voluntary organisation
in the world.

2  Good overview in these two articles from The Register
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/11/home_office_fbi_mlat_request/
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/08/fbi_indymedia_raids/

3  Indymedia UK main story:
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2004/10/298741.html

4  Global Indymedia story http://indymedia.org/en/static/fbi#imcs

5  Interesting Statewatch article detailing legal aspects
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/oct/04uk-usa-indymedia.htm

6  BBC story http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3732718.stm

7  Guardian story
http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/news/0,12597,1324419,00.html

8  Rackspace's full statement:
"In the present matter regarding Indymedia, Rackspace Managed Hosting,
a U.S. based company with offices in London, is acting in compliance
with a court order pursuant to a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty
(MLAT), which establishes procedures for countries to assist each
other in investigations such as international terrorism, kidnapping
and money laundering. Rackspace responded to a Commissioner’s
subpoena, duly issued under Title 28, United States Code, Section 1782
in an investigation that did not arise in the United States. Rackspace
is acting as a good corporate citizen and is cooperating with
international law enforcement authorities. The court prohibits
Rackspace from commenting further on this matter."