Reporter’s Committee for Freedom of the Press’ Piece on Ademo’s Conviction

Thanks to Nicole Lozare of RCFP for this report:

A New Hampshire activist was found guilty on Monday in connection with recording telephone conversations with public officials without their consent and sentenced to 90 days in jail. A state legislator present in court said the “travesty” fueled him to further push for legislation to change the state’s law requiring all-party consent in recordings.

The jury deliberated for about 50 minutes before finding Adam Mueller — the founder of CopBlock.org, a website that monitors alleged abuses by police across the country — guilty of three counts of felony wiretapping (more…)

What Happens When A Prosecutor Declares Legal War on the Press Telerecording Police?

From freeconcord.org:

On Monday, Ademo Freeman was convicted of three counts of felony wiretapping after a three hour trial in Hillsborough county superior court, Manchester.

Full trial video from Free Keene
Extensive writeup by Pete Eyre at Cop Block

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…)

Representative Mark Warden on the Radio about Ademo’s Trial and “Wiretapping” + Concord State House Wiretapping Hearing

Free AdemoLiberty-oriented representative Mark Warden appeared on Girard at Large on WLMW near Manchester. He discussed the trial of Ademo and the issue of “wiretapping” Here’s the archive.

Warden also headed up a subcommittee hearing in Concord today that heard from the public regarding changing the wiretapping law. Here’s a summary from Aahz on the Shire Society Forum:

The dozen or so “general public” who attended expressed their opinions (essentially: NH should be a 1 party state, Ademo should be pardoned, the way the current law stands we’re all wiretapping everyday).

The sub-committee members seemed very attentive and appreciative of input. (more…)

Thank You from Ademo

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.

If you’d like to help, here are some suggestions:

Become active at CopBlock.org

-Move to the Shire

Donate to Ademo/CopBlock.org

-Write Ademo in jail

Adam Mueller
445 Willow Street 03103
Manchester, NH 

-Send liberty-orientated stories to Ademo’s roommates

 

In Liberty,
Ademo