Keene Police Called “Draconian” in Union Leader Update Piece on Heika

by | Jul 29, 2010 | 24 comments

From the Union Leader’s Melanie Plenda:

A woman arrested while topless in downtown Keene last week was arrested again Tuesday, this time clothed, for protesting outside Keene District Court.

Heika Courser, 26, formerly of Richmond and currently listed as residing at 20 Forest St. in Keene, was charged with common law criminal contempt and obstructing government administration.

Courser was one of about 15 people standing on the sidewalk in front of the courthouse about 10:30 a.m. protesting a hearing for fellow Free Keene member Richard Paul.

Police Lt. Darryl Madden said Courser was arrested for “yelling” into a bullhorn, causing ruckus that led Keene District Court Judge Edward Burke to recess court. (more…)

Crime streak: Keene police arrest nude freedom lovers

by | Jul 19, 2010 | 46 comments

You’ve gotta give the Union Leader credit for their headline.

UPDATE: The Union Leader has re-written parts of the article, presumably after Sam gave them a call. The new article is posted here. I will leave the old one up so people can see the differences.

By MELANIE PLENDA
Union Leader Correspondent

KEENE – Being bare breasted on the streets of Keene may not be illegal, but breast painting, drinking in public, blocking police cars and harassing officers is.

At least seven people were arrested Sunday shortly after 6 p.m. when bystanders reported people were drinking and taking off their clothes in Central Square in downtown Keene.

Keene Police Lt. Darryl Madden said the people in the park were not arrested for nakedness, which is not illegal in Keene.

“One woman was toples and she was getting her breasts painted by another woman,” he said. “There’s no law against being naked, but you can’t be lewd or lascivious. And one person groping someone’s breasts and saying lewd things certainly qualifies.”
(more…)