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This week, Focus Earth takes at look at what happens when environmental and animal rights concerns push some activists to the brink of violence to protect what they believe in. Get inside information from law enforcement and terrorism experts, as well as those who have been branded as eco-terrorists. Hear the passions and convictions from both sides: those trying to protect both animals and humans.
First, Focus Earth goes to the Pacific Northwest, the birthplace of environmentalism, and to the nation's capitol to understand how eco-terrorism has become a top domestic terror threat. To uncover history and ideology behind these activities, Focus Earth interviews terrorism expert Gary Pearlstein at Portland State University and Craig Rosebraugh, former spokesperson for ALF and ELF.
Next, get inside info on 'Operation Backfire,' an FBI sting formed to uncover and link numerous suspects under one conspiracy. As a result, a group of ELF and ALF members who were sentenced for conspiracy and arson. FBI's Mike Ward and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Peifer talk about they learned about the terrorist groups from the law enforcement crackdown
Then, a look inside the lives of animal researchers and their battle with eco-terrorists. Hundreds of medical researchers have become the target of animal rights activists. In this emotional battle, the researchers hope to save human lives, but the eco-terrorists believe it shouldn’t be at the expense of animals. Focus Earth interviews Dr. Michael Conn, author of "The Animal Research Wars" and nueroscientist David Jentsch, both targets of animal rights extremists.
Finally, Focus Earth ventures to the shores of Canada where we meet with Paul Watson, head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, who has been branded an eco-pirate for trying to protect whales in international waters from illegal hunters. He certainly doesn't see himself as a terrorist but has however embraced the idea of being an eco-pirate. He has never been convicted of a felony and says he knows just how far he can take his vigilante spirit before it crosses the line.
Watch these videos from this episode of Focus Earth:
The Beginning of Eco-Terrorism
Saving the Whales-Is this Eco-Terrorism?
Check out the Planet Green Schedule to see these stories and more on Focus Earth.
Don't miss Focus on Focus Earth: The Beginnings of Eco-Terrorism and Focus on Focus Earth: Saving Whales.
More on Green Controversies
Anti-Whaling Warrior, Captain Paul Watson
Survey: Is Paul Watson a Hero or an Extremist?
The Green Scare and Civil Liberties
Green Glossary: Monkey Wrench
Green Glossary: Ecotage
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