In a post yesterday, Ademo Freeman’s current situation was reported as he awaits trial on felony wiretapping charges. Sitting in Valley Street jail on ‘resisting’ charges for going limp during a chalking arrest, his final pretrial hearing was cancelled and rescheduled two days later. Yesterday’s post has the video of the hearing, just released today is this video of the chalking that went on outside of the jail on July 25 immediately after the hearing was cancelled on Wednesday.
https://www.youtube.comwatch?v=QcaVVGqV22w
Ademo was able to see the chalkings left on the sidewalk of Valley Street from his cell window, but as a consequence of the peaceful gathering outside, the cell block in view of the sidewalk was locked down and Ademo was relocated to another area of the jail.
Instead of spending his 30th birthday with those that love him, Ademo is sitting in a cage at Valley Street Jail.
Ademo is sitting for two months for “resisting ” (going limp) when kidnapped for writing with chalk last summer. Ademo appealed, but due to a clerical error (or purposeful action), he was denied the chance to be judged by his peers.
If you support Ademo, please send some love his way by a) donating, b) sending him a letter, or c) working to get more eyes on his current situation. http://copblock.org/pledge.
Written by Ademo Freeman, from Valley Street Jail in Manchester, NH
Today is July 23rd, my 12th day (of 60) in Valley Street Jail for resisting arrest. They (my captors) claim this is the Hillsborough County House of Corrections, but I’m failing to make such a connection. Every day my 40+ roommates and myself are brought food, which we didn’t cook, handed clean laundry, which we didn’t wash, and even have the channel on the TV changed for us. Sure, there are some programs like AA, GED classes, and a class where you can learn English – but nothing actually focuses on correcting the inmates’ behavior.
My first cell, while I was in “classification” status, had a view of the flat roof, a bare space with rocks and vents on it. I couldn’t help but think how great some raised garden beds would do up there. Also, if this place really wanted to replace bad behavior with “better”(or more productive) behavior, it would be great to teach inmates how to grow their own food. Of course, I state this overlooking the fact that most inmates I’ve encountered wouldn’t be here if the War on Drugs didn’t exist. How about letting some of these guys out to make their victims whole? Inmates who stole without using force or violence could be working off their bad deed directly to those they’ve harmed. Instead, we sit in our pod and have everything done for us.
Aside from the lack of responsibility we have for everyday basic needs, we, the inmates, are hassled regularly for silly things. For example, every time an inmate leaves his cell, according to the jail staff, he must make his bed, both sheets must be used, the jail-issued blanket must be on top and all four corners have to be tucked in. Anything less will get you written up and could possibly cost “good time” – your opportunity for early release. The other day, my cellmate and I were “warned” for having books and a deck of cards on our desk. You can not have anything other than the Bible on your desk when you are not using it. Another corrections officer made us move our toothpaste from the desk to our shelf – again, stating, “next time you’ll be written up!” Some other rules I’ve learned while being here are: (more…)
