Editing 1991 Bjeorg Conflict (section)

=== Seeds of Secession ===
In 1990, a nonbinding [[1990 Bjeorg independence referendum|referendum]] was added to the Bjeorg gubernatorial election ballot polling Bjeorgite voters on whether or not they would support Bjeorg seceding from the Maximusian Republic. A majority of voters did voice support for the cause, but most assumed the ballot measure was a political stunt which Bjeorgite representatives to the [[Maximusian Senate]] would use to push for legislation more favorable to rural interests. In months following the referendum, a test case was tried before the Maximusian High Court. The court declared that secession was not a right provinces maintained and, as such, the referendum measure was deemed illegitimate and invalid. 

On June 10th, 1990, a regional politician named James Wilson was arrested at the Bjeorg Provincial Assembly Building following an impassioned speech encouraging violent resistance to federal authority shortly after the High Court ruling was delivered. His speech and subsequent imprisonment was captured as one of the rallying cries for what would eventually become the Bjeorg rebel movement.

{{Quote|author=James Wilson|text="Bjeorg’s recent appeal to the Maximusian government has been denied. Our yearning for freedom and independence has been crushed under the tyrannical boot of a rigged judicial system. [...] Our federal government has been systematically stripping us of our rights, all the while force feeding us lies that these actions are for the greater good. What of us? Do we not matter? [...] If we cannot have our independence playing their games, we must stop playing. A display of force is our only option. I love Bjeorg. We love Bjeorg; we will set her free!”}}