After the conviction of FK blogger and CopBlock.org founder Ademo Freeman on three felony counts of “wiretapping”, Manchester liberty activist William Kostric approached prosecutor Michael Valentine and told him that he was going to go home and wiretap the police and send Valentine the evidence.
Kostric has followed through on his promise, and here’s the proof. The video below includes his original promise to Valentine and the actual call to the police where he in no way indicates to them that he is recording.
Will Valentine prosecute? Kostric has done the same thing as Ademo and has even rubbed Valentine’s nose in it. If Kostric is prosecuted, it will allow him to take on the same ridiculous charge with a different approach and new jury. If he’s not prosecuted, it will be further proof of the arbitrary nature of the “justice” system.
If you are not familiar with Ademo’s situation, learn more.
Ademo was sentenced to one year in Valley Street Jail, all but 90 days suspended, as well as 1-3 years in NH State Prison suspended for 5 years of good behavior.
In a letter from jail, Ademo wrote: “By the time this is posted, we’ll already know the outcome and hopefully the jury is understanding of my position. I don’t, or won’t, blame them if they find me guilty.”
On Monday, Ademo Freeman was convicted of three counts of felony wiretapping after a three hour trial in Hillsborough county superior court, Manchester.
Preparing for his trial from the Valley Street jail, and spending his lunch break in a cell at the courthouse, Ademo did an excellent job explaining his actions and opening himself to responsibility for them. Unfortunately, he did not present the defense necessary to win over the twelve (likely television-watching) everypersons to understand why his was such a case as jury nullification was intended for. Press and supporters filled the gallery. The judge presented a very relaxed demeanor, a respect for the audience and (some) of their rights, which Cheshire county magistrates have caged individuals over in the past. There were limitations on the press, as only two individuals were permitted to video or audio record despite several requests. Judge Kenneth Brown (more…)
Today is August 11th, 2012 – my 31st day of incarceration – and it’s 7:20AM. I’m awake because my cellmate was chosen to unload a delivery, but the truth is that I haven’t slept over two consecutive hours in a week. My mind is stuck on my pending wiretapping trial. I’ve been told of the mounting support and many articles (mainstream media and blogs) that have covered my case. It seems many of them share the same opinion as I do; public officials have no expectation of privacy.
Yet, knowing what I know about the court system through experience, I’m preparing my mind for more jail time. By the time this is posted we’ll already know the outcome and hopefully the jury is understanding of my position. I don’t, or won’t, blame them if they find me guilty. The state, via Michael Valentine and “Judge” Brown, will do its best to control what is presented to the jury. Via objections, Mr. Valentine will try to keep me from speaking plainly to the jury. “Judge” Brown will start and end the trial with specific instructions for the jury. If the jury follows them for whatever reason (but most likely out of fear or lack of understanding of the justice system), they will find me guilty. My only chance is if the jury or a juror simply votes based on logic, and logic stells me that a) PUBLIC officials have no expectation of privacy, and b) Prisons and jails weren’t built to house people who record phone calls with public officials.
No matter the outcome, and as I’ve said before, I feel no remorse for what I’ve done or what will happen to me. Sure, jail sucks, but here I’m surrounded by other victims of government abuse. Countless “criminals” whose crimes bear no victim. Advocating for the cause of liberty runs in my veins and won’t stop simply because I’m caged.
I want to thank everyone who has donated, worked on and continues to support myself and CopBlock.org. The reason the outcome doesn’t matter is due to people like you – the supporters. I’ve made my point and others have seen the failing system at work. I hope others will continue to refuse plea deals, refuse to follow the court’s rules and challenge the system to the fullest. I look forward to joining y’all on the path of liberty when freed from my cage.
I’d like to give a special thanks to Kate, Pete, Clyde and Ian who’ve – as always – gone above and beyond helping me share this message while caged. I miss you all dearly.
