Freedom for Jean-Daniel Rey

Sion, Valais, Switzerland, the 15th February 2007.

Since 22 days including 15 of hunger strike, Jean-Daniel Rey is in jail for clones selling. According to the present Swiss law and to the Federal Court in a former case in Valais, the use of any kind of hemp for ornamental purpose is legal. The police and justice must demonstrate the drug use.

Jean-Daniel customers all sign a declaration that they will not use the clones as drug like you must do when you buy a shotgun and swear not to kill your wife with. But the judge put the pressure on them and JD to make them acknowledge that he knew the final illegal use of the plants.

At worst, this is a 10.000 CHF commercial court case versus an honest guy who never be convinced of drug selling. JD is totally integrated in the society with children, house, business, various social activities ... it is not the usual way in Switzerland to put this kind of people in jail before the final judgement.

But the Valais is very conservative with a Christian -democrat minister of justice really against cannabis, the local media also, a long time hemp martyr, Bernard Rappaz, who already upset the politicians, the cops and a part of the population.... Bad place for cannabis reformers, most years’ European champion for cirrhosis.

Last but not least, JD is the president of the French part of the Swiss Hemp Coordination, very active in the popular initiative Pro-Chanvre. May be is biggest crime.

You can find more info and a petition in the french part or on the Jean-Daniel Rey website

Laurent Appel