Good Jurors Nullify Bad Laws

Originally posted at LadiesInKeene.com

August 13, 2012, Ademo Freeman, founder of CopBlock.org, was found guilty on three counts of felony wiretapping after recording his conversations with public officials in an attempt to bring accountability to a situation where it was noticeably absent – an incident where excessive force was used against 17-year-old Frank Harrington, a student at Manchester’s West High School, by Darren Murphy, school resource officer and an employee of the Manchester Police Department.

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.”

Ademo may not blame them, but I do. (more…)

Days Before Trial, Ademo Visited by Michael Valentine

Ademo today was visited by Michael Valentine, the individual who, on Monday at Hillsborough County Superior Court will argue that he should spend 21-years caged because he pointed-out the assault of 17-yr-old Frank Harrington by Manchester PD employee Darren Murphy.

Background: CopBlock.org/FreeAdemo

A few things Ademo noted:

Valentine plans to submit into evidence Admeo’s radio interview with Girard at Large captured in-studio on December 6th of last year due to this statement from Ademo:

Though I didn’t state to the individuals I was audio and video recording them I did state to them that my name is Ademo Freeman from CopBlock.org and I’m seeking comment off of Officer Murphy’s actions in the cafeteria.”

(more…)

Ademo’s Jury Selection Done, Trial Next Monday

MANCHESTER, NH – Yesterday Ademo Freeman was shackled and transported from Valley Street Jail, where he’s been since July 11th, to Hillsborough County Superior Court, where he participated in his jury selection process per the three counts of wiretapping prosecutor Michael Valentine (603-627-5605) has levied against him for the dastardly act of being a journalist and following-up on misdeeds done by public official Darren Murphy.

Though Ademo, donning his blue jail jumpsuit, wasn’t able to speak with those present, he did turn and give a big smile. He’s in good spirits.

After less than an hour, 15 individuals had been screened as jurors or alternates. Ademo’s trial is slated to begin next Monday, August 13th. Supporters will be outside at 8am and the “circus”, as Ademo’s called it, will begin at 9am.

Hillsborough County Superior Court North
300 Chestnut Street
Manchester, NH 03101

Prior to the activity inside the courtroom, a couple dozen friends of Ademo friends gathered outside both as a show of support and to hand information about jury nullification to potential jurors. While some coldly passed without acknowledging the presence of a friendly human being, many were receptive. Or at least they knew they might have a lot of down-time and realized that having some literature to read wouldn’t be all-bad.

For complete background on this situation, contact info, and ways YOU can help Ademo, visit: http://copblock.org/freeademo

Here are a couple of videos from the day:

From YouTube.com/FreeKeene:

From YouTube.com/MikeforLiberty:

As reported by FreeKeene.com, Ademo’s situation has thus far gotten picked-up in the front page of NH’s most-circulated newspaper, the Union Leader as well as Huffington Post’s front page, FARK.com, the front page of Digg.com, and is the most viewed story of all time on CNN iReport. Solid.

House Of Corrections; Yeah Right!

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…)

Ademo Freeman – FreeKeene.com blogger – Caged in Manch

This post was originally posted to CopBlock.org on July 12th.

On Wednesday, July 11th, 2012 CopBlock.org founder and my good friend Ademo Freeman was put in handcuffs and taken to a cage. In this video I give an overview of the situation.

It’s said that when legislation conflicts with law a good man will side with the latter. That’s what Ademo did. He acted to point-out double-standards.

Some say if you don’t agree with legislation to change it through the courts. Ademo tried. But he wasn’t even given his day in court to argue to merits. Instead, a bureaucratic error conveniently meant that he wasn’t informed of his appeal date.

Below are related posts, a video playlist that begins with the video Ademo made live two days ago, on Monday, July 7th, 2012, about his situation, and WePay donation buttons (25% of which will go to Ademo’s commissary and will be used by him after he’s free(r) and 75% of which will go to advance CopBlock.org’s mission). (more…)