LUMINAIRE - The trial of Pierre Allendreau, the man accused of manufacturing and distributing the suicide pill ‘Liberty,’ saw an unusual turn of events today, when those the prosecution are painting as the case’s victims rose to the defense of the accused. 

“He wasn't out to make a buck. He sold basically at cost, and would make as many as requested. We would have paid a lot more,” said Hebark Tooten, director of a mining colony in Postouvin. Another director from the same system, Freid Lefebre, said, “He was the only one protecting us from being victims. If Sansha comes for us – any of us – CONCORD can't protect us, the Empires combined can't protect us… who are we supposed to rely on? The capsuleers? They're just as likely to kill us even if they do manage to stop a Sansha raid. What other options do we have?” 

The prosecution asked for a short recess, which the judge denied. The string of witnesses speaking out in the accused's defense continued. Said Gael Sorchine, director of still another colony that had contacted Allendreau to purchase the suicide pill: “The Nation promises the death of liberty, the capsuleers promise death. If we are the victims in this case, it is not Mr. Allendreau that made us so.”

PATOR - The Minmatar People's Theatre's main stage was bombed this morning, only a few short hours after the opening night of controversial play ‘Plantation.’ The theatre was empty and there were no injuries. 

A group calling themselves Free Our Families has claimed responsibility with a statement issued to press. "The Amarrian slave holders in this play are cast as thinly disguised caricatures of Shakor and the other tribal chiefs. This goes beyond racism. If the MPT will not shut down this parliament-funded propaganda, we will shut it down for them." 

A tearful Jaken Lagos, the show's director, said "We weren't trying to make a political statement about slavery or Shakor or anything else. We were just trying to make beautiful art." The play’s sets, costumes and props were destroyed in the blast. The MPT has said it will not restage ‘Plantation.’

HARNER – A cross-agency Gallente law enforcement task force conducted an early-morning raid on a small, unlicensed and unregistered pharmaceutical company following a week-long sting operation. Acting on information received from an informant, agents posed as mining colony directors attempting to purchase the so-called 'Liberty' pill.

Once put in touch with company head Pierre Allendreau, authorities quickly moved to shut down the manufacturer. On-site they found over five million ‘Liberty’ pills, after which they swiftly arrested Allendreau, charging him with over 50 infractions. Six other employees were arrested and then released without charges. Officials say they have not ruled out the possibility of criminal charges being laid on employees and middle men, as well as prospective buyers.

PATOR - Social activists opposed to the newest production of controversial 600-year-old play ‘Plantation’ at the Minmatar People's Theatre on Pator launched a highly visible complaint last night. About an hour before the curtain went up on the preview, the protestors appeared at the front entrance. As a result, the performance started slightly behind schedule. 

The protest remained peaceful until the curtain closed. As the crowd exited the theatre, the protest shifted gears and became violent. The minimal police force present was briefly overwhelmed, but quickly regained control of the crowd. "This production is not racist, it's traitorous," exclaimed one protester as he was arrested. 

Wentach Mennar, an ex-member of parliament for the Representative Party, said "It was a good show. An important show. We have been without a parliament for over a year and it is good that someone is asking these questions. People are becoming impatient."