While conducting “Don’t Take the Plea Deal” outreach (which is where activists hand people attending court a flyer) this morning Pete was approached by the district attorney (DA) for Keene. I witnessed this encounter but my camera was still in my jacket so I have no video. The conversation was simple, the DA approached Pete and said, “I’m going to be dropping all your charges.” Pete said he appreciated that and the DA went upstairs to court.
Dave Ridley reports from Keene’s city hall regarding Pete Eyre opting for a jury trial for his kidnapping over wearing a hat:
Julian Heicklen, nationally known Fully Informed Jury Association activist, has taken the time to write to Keene district court’s Ed Burke regarding Pete and Ademo’s caging. Letter courtesy of CopBlock.org:
Gentle People:
On January 24, 2011, a person was arrested by Judge Edward Burke for disrespect because he was wearing a hat in the Keene, NH courthouse. Does this mean that orthodox Jewish and Sikh men, as well as Muslim women, will not be allowed to wear head coverings in a courtroom, even though their religion requires a head covering as a mark of respect for a higher judge?
This arrest is a violation of religious freedom, as guaranteed by Amendment I of the U. S. Constitution. Must people remove their wigs and head pieces to be in a courtroom? (more…)
Hello Officer Cemorelis,
I’m writing to you today to inform you that I am VERY disappointed in your performance this morning in the courtroom. I have known you for several years and thought you were so much better than that. I have heard from several sources (including your ex wife and yes, even some colleagues) about many underhanded things you have done, but have always stuck up for you saying that you are one of the “few good ones” in Keene. You are intelligent, funny, and charming. Now I also know you to be short fused, drunk on power, and a man of little to no morals. I am so sorry for whatever happened to change you into such a wretch, but please do NOT take it out on peaceful people.
My friend was merely sitting quietly in the courtroom in support of others (There are multiple videos out showing this). He was not being disruptive, nor was he any type of threat. Yet you felt it ok to smack this wonderful being right out of his chair? Have I mentioned how disappointed I am in your DISGUSTING conduct?? (more…)
From the Keene Sentinel’s letters-to-the-editor:
A Keene man was arrested and carried away for not taking his hat off in court.
Being grabbed and assaulted and carried away for wearing a hat in court is very wrong in my opinion and not what I want my tax dollars going for.
It is as wrong as wrong can be.
Assaulted and jailed for wearing a hat.
DAVID CRAWFORD
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