I’m hoping to write an more exhaustive ‘about’ me post but I’m rather busy, like everyone else, so it will have to wait. For now, here is a post I published at CopBlock.org. It’s fitting considering Free Keene activists did most of the leg work which resulted in me being freed from jail. Thanks again.
Three weeks ago yesterday Pete Eyre was assaulted, hand cuffed and dragged from a public building then put in a cage because he wore a hat inside ‘the’ courtroom. The following day, at Pete’s arraignment, I spoke out against Edward Burke’s (the judge) decision to keep him locked up. The judge ordered Pete to remain in jail because he refused to ID himself and shortly after sentenced me to 60 days in jail for my outburst.
So how did I get released early? Well, with so many great activists doing so many different things to free me, it’s impossible to say exactly what it was and a mix of everything is likely the answer. People were calling the jail, writing letters to Burke, protesting, making videos, filing motions, contacting media and much much more. A big thanks is in order for JJ, Andrew “280”, Aubern, Tayna, Carolyn, George, Smeg, Ian, my family and of course my boy – Pete. These guys are one kick ass team (not to undermine those who helped them – everyone did a great job and I’m so grateful to have support from so many) and I really value the support we show one another. (more…)
When you are arrested for a crime or offense which is punishable in the adult system, the police have generally three options regarding your release.
1) Release you on a hand summons. (A ticket, telling you when to appear in court.)
2) Release you without any charges.
3) Contact a “Bail Commissioner” who will decide what your bail will be.
The third option typically is what happens most and if you have been through it you are most likely $40+ poorer for the experience. The thing is this: you legally do not have to pay and they still need to release you. Any threat to not release you is just that. An empty threat. In fact, you would be quite lucky if they followed through with such a threat …
Thanks to Mike Barskey at Mail-to-Jail.com you can now read Kurt’s letters from jail. Something got messed up in their posting, resulting in them showing up back in time on the blog, so I’m going to link to the ones we have so far here. You can write to Kurt via Mail-to-Jail, and don’t forget to send along a contribution to Mail-to-Jail to buy some postage!
Six individuals were arrested by police this afternoon at Pumpkin Fest. The daily 420 event was moved to the area directly in front of City Hall due to the massive pumpkin display at Central Square. Rich Paul of Keene took to the megaphone in front a large crowd and at the proper time lit a pipe presumably containing marijuana, a plant. Police quickly surrounded Mr. Paul and placed him under arrest. Noah Wood and Evan Pierce were also seen lighting up and were arrested as well.
Three other individuals were also arrested at city hall, when asked about the charge officers indicated that they did not know why they were arresting the three. A witness reportedly saw one of the individuals attempt to enter the city hall building prompting police to arrest him. It is unknown at this time exactly what happened. Ryan Maddox, Dan Steward and Yadra, all from the Keene area.
Latest update: Rich Paul, Noah Wood and Dan Steward have been released; Ryan Maddox, Evan Pierce and Yadra are reported to be at the Cheshire County Correctional Facility.
Liberty activists traveled to the county jail in Westmoreland today to demonstrate on behalf of Kurt Hoffman when they stumbled onto an even bigger story – the prisoners held up signs in the windows indicating that the showers were broken and that they have no heat.
How long this has been the case is not known. It’s certainly not a way to treat human beings. See the footage here:
Thanks to Mike Barskey at 
