rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/petition-drop-charges-against-joanna-smith-and-tim-martin?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-petition-drop-charges-against-joanna-smith-and-tim-martin' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> #FreeTheDegasTwo https://actionnetwork.org/groups/freethedegastwo https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/438/741/normal/Email_FreetheDegasTwo(1).png To Assistant U.S. District Attorney Cameron A. Tepfer, Dear Sir, We are signing this letter/petition to urge leniency in the sentencing of Joanna Smith and Tim Martin for their symbolic, non-violent action on April 27th, 2023. On that day, Smith and Martin placed their hands in water-soluble paint and left their handprints on the cabinet protecting the Degas sculpture "Tiny Dancer," which portrays a child. They willingly allowed themselves to be arrested for this symbolic act of civil disobedience, which caused no harm to any person and did not result in the destruction or damage of any property." The two activists were indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit an offense against the U.S. Government and injury to a National Gallery of Art Exhibit. Each charge carries a maximum statutory sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. We are deeply concerned, both about the specific charges in this case and their impact on these individuals and their families, as well as the broader implications of this overly repressive response. The right to protest in the U.S. and the history of symbolic, nonviolent civil disobedience actions are well-documented. However, these charges and this case appear to disregard past precedents and respond to these recent acts in an excessively severe manner. While it is formally recognized that we are currently facing a scientific tipping point regarding CO2 emissions and other environmental crises, there is a widespread belief that insufficient governmental action is being taken to reverse the current climate disaster. Therefore, it is particularly urgent that voices expressing concern are not silenced and that those who act for the future of our children are supported. Currently Joanna Smith pled guilty to the felony damage charge. While the other charge has been dropped in her case, in her sentencing hearing at the end of the month she still faces a possible 5 year sentence. Tim Martin is awaiting trial on both charges. In the words of Joanna Smith: "Today, through nonviolent rebellion, we have temporarily marred a piece of art to evoke the real children whose suffering is certain if the death-cult fossil fuel companies continue extracting new coal, oil, and gas from the ground." She further stated, "As a parent, I cannot accept this future." We respectfully urge you to show leniency for Joanna Smith and Tim Martin who have demonstrated their sincere concern for our planet. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/petition-drop-charges-against-joanna-smith-and-tim-martin