As previously posted, there were trials on Monday for some of the activists charged with disorderly conduct for not leaving the courtroom lobby on April 13, 2009. Only two ended up having trial on Monday, as two had their charges dropped, and one trial was continued while Kurt Hoffman further prepares with his lawyer. The full trial videos of Nick Ryder and David Krouse are up for viewing.
Nick’s case was “taken under advisement”, and will be ruled on and the verdict mailed. We will certainly post an update here when we have one.
David was found guilty, and will be forced to serve 6 days in jail if he refuses their fine money.
Nobody forgets the arrest and imprisonment of Sam Dodson, held for 58 days without trial after his arrest on April 13 of this year. What many are likely to forget though, is the insanity that ensued afterward. When activists were ordered out of the Keene District Court lobby following his arrest, six stayed against the orders of Eli Rivera. The below links contain the accounts and videos from that day:
Most of the activists staying behind were 100% quiet and out of the way. Two were cited while standing in a corner of the room. Two more were arrested after remaining seated on a nearby bench the entire time. All of them accused of “Disrupting the orderly conduct of business in a public or governmental facility.”
Over the past 3 months since this incident, each activist has handled his charges slightly differently: from motions for recusal, to motions to strike charges, to a witness list 16 people deep.
Where does it all lead to? It all leads to July 27th, at 1:30pm at the Keene District Court. Five of the six “disorderlies” are scheduled for trial at the same time. How such a thing will be processed with almost exact witnesses for each trial is yet to be seen. We don’t know what exactly to expect come next Monday, but we’d love for YOU to come find out with us. While the trials will be recorded and posted, the best thing would be for you to come out and see first-hand the show trial they are going to put on for a bunch of people who were arrested for standing in a public place.
That’s the question Andrew Quemere was asking himself as he was walked from his workplace to the Keene Police Department this morning. Apparently arrested for loitering in the back of a truck. However, Andrew was assigned by his workplace to be in the back of that truck. While exercising his right to not show ID, Andrew does not appear to have been confrontational or aggressive; he simply wanted to get back to work.
But when officer Chris Simonds threatened to throw him into the parking lot pavement, Andrew followed the officers’ commands and was handcuffed. Charged with “Obstructing Government Administration”, he was released on $2000 PR bond and has an arraignment date of August 10, 2009.
At 8:51am, Activists from the nearby FIJA rally walked over to the Keene District Court, where we got confirmation that Kurt was going to be brought in for an arraignment. During the wait in the courtroom, Ian handed out some Free Keene “warning” flyers.
At 9:18am, Kurt was brought into the courtroom with other prisoners.
At 9:28am, Kurt was the first person brought before Burke, and refused to plead on two charges. One being a class A mistemeaner of Disobeying a Police Officer.
The latest news from the court is that Kurt has been released on $2500 PR bond. Meaning he can go free but must appear for his trial.
More Updates soon. Kurt’s arraignment was audio and video recorded
Activists are currently converging on Keene Police Department to check on the status of Kurt Hoffman. He was arrested today near Roxbury for failure to produce a vehicle registration, and he broadcast his ride from there live over Porc411. During the entire trip he is heard asking the officer to adjust his handcuffs so his wrists will stop hurting. The officer ignores repeated requests for such relief.
Listen to Kurt’s Pleas to the Officer
Update 07-12-09 16:00: Kurt is in transport to the jail. So it will coincide with Dave Ridley’s release. Activist are en-route to the Cheshire County Complex
Update 07-12-09 22:55: Kurt is being held overnight in the Cheshire County Jail. He is reportedly on $2500 cash bond on a charge of disobeying a police officer. Activists will be arriving at Keene District Court tomorrow morning to gather more information.
More updates will likely be posted, with video, in the coming hours and days.
