In a sweeping federal crackdown, 11 individuals from eight U.S. states were indicted for their alleged participation in online groups that created and shared videos of monkeys being brutally tortured and sexually abused, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.
“The extreme cruelty endured by helpless infant macaques just for ‘entertainment’ and profit is unconscionable,” Lady Freethinker Founder Nina Jackel said. “I’m grateful to the FBI, HSI, and other law enforcement agencies for their commitment to seeking justice for these terrorized animals. Such sadistic acts must never be tolerated.”
The defendants reportedly conspired to create and share these animal “crush” videos with Nicholas Dryden, who was charged last year, by paying him to arrange for a minor in Indonesia to carry out the requested abuse.
Among the 79 acts the accused allegedly funded were instances of genital mutilation and violent sexual assault using household objects. Each defendant faces a five-year prison sentence if convicted.
“We welcome this latest action by law enforcement against those alleged to be involved in facilitating the violent and sadistic torture and killing of baby monkeys,” Action for Primates Co-founder Sarah Kite said. “People need to know that there are legal consequences to such vile and depraved activities.”
In 2021, LFT and AfP uncovered this horrific online underworld. Their investigative work contributed to the BBC documentary “The Monkey Haters” and has also been shared with U.S. authorities. Since then, many individuals affiliated with these groups have been charged and convicted.
The cruelty inflicted on these vulnerable baby monkeys is beyond heartbreaking. Lady Freethinker will continue to expose this abuse and fight to end the exploitation of animals everywhere.
