GRANTS PASS, Oregon -- On Tuesday, October 8^th, 2002, a Josephine County Jail prisoner, who is a retired police officer, will be on his 26^th day of a hunger strike. Raymond Karczewski, 65, of Cave Junction has been incarcerated since September 12^th. Mr. Karczewski maintains he is a political prisoner whom Judge Allen H. Coon ordered arrested in the county courthouse on Sept. 12^th. Mr.Karczewski claims Coon has not proven his jurisdiction over him and that he was jailed illegally.

For humanitarian purposes, Mr. Karczewski’s wife is asking that a licensed, competent medical practitioner or doctor monitor her husband’s physical condition, record his weight, and keep a daily record of this information. She is also asking that the doctor prescribe a half-teaspoon of salt daily, which he is not receiving at this time.

It is falsely reported that Mr. Karczewski is nibbling at food left on a tray in his cell, which he denies in the following statement.

"I, Ray Karczewski, affirm to all concerned that I have had no solid food since September 12, 2002, when I became a political prisoner in the Josephine County Jail.

Any report that I have been eating small amounts of prison food is false."

Signed by proxy Anita Karczewski

Date: 10/4/2002 Time: 9:36AM

It is Mrs. Karczewski’s opinion that the alleged false information being released by jail staff is designed to stop media attention.

A press conference will be held on Tuesday October 8^th, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. in front of the Josephine County Jail at 1901 NE "F" Street in Grants Pass, Oregon. For further information contact Anita Karczewski at 1-541-592-4244.