Julian Heicklen, nationally known Fully Informed Jury Association activist, has taken the time to write to Keene district court’s Ed Burke regarding Pete and Ademo’s caging. Letter courtesy of CopBlock.org:
Gentle People:
On January 24, 2011, a person was arrested by Judge Edward Burke for disrespect because he was wearing a hat in the Keene, NH courthouse. Does this mean that orthodox Jewish and Sikh men, as well as Muslim women, will not be allowed to wear head coverings in a courtroom, even though their religion requires a head covering as a mark of respect for a higher judge?
This arrest is a violation of religious freedom, as guaranteed by Amendment I of the U. S. Constitution. Must people remove their wigs and head pieces to be in a courtroom? What if a woman is wearing a tee shirt that says “I love everyone.” Can she be arrested for prostitution if she does not remove her tee shirt? I have a tee shirt that says: “Jesus love you. Everyone else thinks that you are an asshole.” Would this be disrespectful of Judge Burke, even though the saying is true.
I find facial hair to be particularly offensive and disrespectful. It indicates a lack of grooming. Particularly disgusting is a mustache, since it collects nose not and partially digested food particles. Anyone with a mustache, such as Judge Burke, should be sentenced to 30 days in prison for each day he wore one in court.
The person arrested for wearing a hat was handcuffed behind his back by several officers, kneed in the head by one, and physically abused by others. Thefollowing day he was brought into the Keene courthouse. He was not representedby counsel in violation of Amendment VI of the U. S. Constitution. Judge EdwardBurke asked him several questions regarding his identity which he was reluctant to answer, as is his right under Amendment V of the U. S. Constitution against self-incrimination. Judge Burke informed the man that if he did not answer the questions, he would be detained in jail indefinitely, a violation of Amendment VI of the U. S. Constitution.
A friend of the defendant was in court and objected vigorously and intemperately. He was sentenced to 60 days in prison for contempt of court. He was not permitted to defend himself or have an attorney. There was no trial nor the possibility of appeal. He was hauled off to prison.
These were not the first abuses by this judge in this court. O n O c t o b e r 1 , 2008 Ian Freeman of Free Talk Live was arrested for refusing to remove a couch from the lawn of property he owned. When he appeared in court he was arrested for not sitting down fast enough after the judge was seated. The judge refused to answer any of Mr. Freeman’s questions.
After being taken into custody Mr. Freeman was brought into another room and the trial was continued. No one besides court officials and Ian were allowed in the room, in violation of Amendment VI of the U. S. Constitution, which requires a public trial. Those who came to observe the trial were able to watch it on a CCTV which they were not allowed to video record. Ian however recorded a portion of the private trial and posted it online after his release. Judge Burke sentenced Ian Bernard (i.e. Ian Freeman) to 93 days in jail for 3 counts of contempt of court (30 days each) and 3 days for refusing to remove a couch from his lawn.
At Dave Ridley’s 2009–04–13 arraignment Judge Burke refused to release Sam Dodson (i. e. Dave Ridley) from jail unless he gave his legal name, in violation of Amendment V of the U. S. Constitution, which permits a defendant to remain silent.
Where does the tyranny end? Judge Burke should be impeached, removed from the bench, and be disbarred. I urge the citizens of New Hampshire to do this. You have my permission and desire to publish this letter. Live free or die.
Yours in freedom & justice,
Julian Heicklen
Organizer & LWRN Host
Tyranny Fighters
