Kat and Rssell are *scheduled* to appear in court the morning of March 1. This is a result of Manchester P.D. arresting them and charging them with disorderly conduct for refusing to be herded into a "free speech zone." this date could be changed, as courts often will switch dates. But we will have some sort of event in Manchester even if the court plays games on us. Check this thread again later for updates or call me at 603 721 1490 for the latest.
for now:
Manchester District Court
35 Amherst St.
603-624-6510
8:15am 3/1/06
Should we do a protest outside with signs and flags? Or concentrate on piling a lot of folks into the courtroom?
And...what should we do if and when the court folks reschedule? what if we were to simply move the "event" to the street right in front of Channel 9 on Commercial street in manchester! Or the police statio? It's important we not rely on the court decision makers as to whether we have an event that day in Manch.
See http://underground.soulawakenings.com/tiki-index.php?page=Russell+and+Kat+Arrest
for all the background details on Russell and Kat's arrest.
Besides protesting at the court...
I hope that you guys win and that this sets a precedent for NH not having single zones for free speech!
I suggest both an outside and inside presence including a Fully Informed Jury Association outreach outside.
And a "not guilty" and demand for a jury trial, of course.
All hail our new heroes! 8)
Quote from: vanguardist on February 12, 2006, 06:09 PM NHFT
All hail our new heroes! 8)
*Bows down*
It really is great you guys are here, you two do so much for NH that wouldn't be done without your effort. You really are creating history.
How many people can you expect to get on board for support at this thing, first of all. If you have a lot, you could do both. If no, I'd suggest getting warm bodies within the coutroom itself. If the hearsings go favorably, you don't have to do a lot. On the other hand, if some kind of BS sentance is given, having some hidden protest materials vis-a-vis the students at the Alberto Gonzales thing could come in handy.
Perhaps everyone who goes in could have a t-shirt with article 22 on it, so when all are told to rise the judge sees a whole row of people standing up for Russell and Kat.
It would be best to pack the courtroom, but also have some people hang outside. If they reschedule at the last minute, we could be outside and inside and all around at that date and time anyways.
Manchester District Court
35 Amherst St.
603-624-6510
8:15am 3/1/06
Assuming they reschedule Do you guys think it would be better to have the protest right there outside the courthouse or take it over to Channel 9? I know that the area in front of 9 offers a lot of car traffic; don't know about the courthouse.
Sounds like you just volunteered yourself for another recon mission, Private! :D
But who is channel 9? Our beef is with the local government.
Read the post on forcing media coverage of the issues :twisted:
If they change our court date, we should change the protest to the front of the police station....the people who actually did the deed.
Just heard about this . . I might be working nights that week and could go to court in support . . feel free to email me and keep me informed :) freesalem@iussa.org
We don't really do an email list. You can check our calendar though.
woo hoo! thanks, freesalem. cool name btw
Quote from: FreeSalem on February 17, 2006, 04:54 PM NHFT
Just heard about this . . I might be working nights that week and could go to court in support . . feel free to email me and keep me informed :) freesalem@iussa.org
Just click the notify button on this topic.
Is this court date a date for simply entering a plea or is it for something else?
Arraignment, I guess.
I don't know much about law; I was wondering can the judge throw out a case at an arraignment?
ah ok, arraignment isnt anything big, should just be to put you on notice of the charge and have you say not guilty and would normally be when your appointed an attorney if any jail time was involved. I dont think a judge would throw it out in an arraignment. Really the judge should not ever throw out a case until after the prosecution has presented its side, unless maybe if there was not even probable cause for the complaint in the first place. Not too sure about NH law though, I looked it up briefly and it appears to be different at certain stages than MA law which I am used to. I would think you could present a motion at the arraignment, so if you (Kat and Rusell) would like I could draft a motion to dismiss arguing there is no probable cause even if everything the police say is true as you were using your constitional right to free speech. I would think the judge would allow the motion to be submitted and either deny it, or allow the prosecution to file a motion in opposition and then rule on it. But normally a motion to dismiss would be brought after discovery has taken place. Perhaps if the prosecution saw you were gonna fight them over it and they were only seeking a small fine they would not bother with case. Just my thoughs.
Sure, draft away :)
My t-shirt came. Bill of rights on the back and Free Speech Zone superimposed over the continental US on the front.
Cathleen
8)
We have another couple coming from Jaffrey for this event. I met him through our paper.
OK when exactly do you want people to arrive at district court and what exactly do you want them to do?
Not exactly clear on when or whether there will be a demo outside, but if there is I want to tell the media about it and send em some invites.
My trip got canceled.
I am planning on being there (unless I have to fly out again).
I will also plan on being in the courtroom.
I would like to see the courtroom packed with supporters. (Wear whatever you have the guts to wear.) Our hearing could be as early as 8:15.
It would also be cool to have people outside with signs/shirts.
So should we say we're asking folks to be there at 8:00 if possible and either be inside or outside as the spirit moves?
ok
Sent customized versions of this news release to the Union Leader, WKXL Concord and WMUR.
----
Dear folks at WMUR:
As a follow-up to your story on Feb. 8 about the two arrests outside Bush's speech...
The arrestees are slated appear in Manchester District Court, 35 Amherst St., Wed. March 1 at 8:15 a.m.
They will have supporters in the courtroom and demonstrators outside; I'm estimating total combined turnout will be around 15 supporters/demonstrators. You should know that the demonstration will occur regardless of whether the court tries to change the March 1 date at the last minute.
Russell Kanning and Kat Dillon of Keene were carying signs on a street corner near the Radisson Hotel and chose arrest rather than allow police to herd them into the "free speech zone."
You can reach them at 357-2049 and find the latest details in writing at:
http://forum.soulawakenings.com/index.php?topic=2902.0
Mainstream media articles on the arrest:
http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Two+arrested+as+protesters+gather&articleId=ff16795b-bd46-4bc7-bc0d-619d8f8946fc
http://www.thewmurchannel.com/news/6845689/detail.html
Photo of the arrest:
http://keenefreepress.editme.com/files/LuncheonPoliceState/arrest.jpg
I will be thinking of you guys ! I wish I could be there for you but I get out of work at 7:30am and will be in no shape after a 12 1/2 hour shift.
Idea If you got white t shirts you could do iron on transfers, if you want help with that let me know I have a printer and an iron, LOL
Yeah, I'm thinking of going the "white t-shirt" route. Any ideas for good slogans to put on one?
Caleb
how about the constitution quote??
Freedominnh why do you say the judge will make a decision on this court date? I was under the impression it was just an arraignment, where a plea would be entered and that was all. I briefly looked up NH crim procedure to see how it differed than MA where I am used to. I thought it was just a plea date and therefore I wasnt intending on attending, I was just going to draft a motion for discovery. I was going to write a motion to dismiss but I need the police report for that. But if it was an actual trial I would try my best to head up and represent Kat and Russell. Seems to me rather backwards, and most unfair to have a trial without any discovery. I would like to also see the exact complaint that was issued. I am very interested in pursuing a 1983 challenge and it is most beneficial, if not required for the false arrest charge that their be an acquittal. Anyone who can fill me in on this please msg me with any information or answer. Thanks.
They will probably just want to know what we plead.
When I went to court over the airport deal, they were giving me a wrist slap but expected me to say not guilty. I just said guilty and we were all done that day.
This time if they go through with accusing me of disorderly conduct and want some money or something, I will tell them I am not guilty of that charge.
I agree that they might drop it on Wednesday.
I think freedominnh may be right and they'd just decide on Wednesday, no matter what we plead. I hadn't thought about it, but when I was in court for walking my dog in CA and they were hearing misdemenor cases, they just decided right then.
I just got a call from the NHCLU. They are very interested in our case. One man has apparently volunteered to work with us on the case. He's in court all day Wednesday, but is supposed to get back to us on Thursday to talk about what happened at our hearing.
Cool!!
Well, it's just around the corner! I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
I won't be at the courthouse demonstration, unfortunately, as I am sick as a dog. Sinus infection.
bummer :bandaid:
I can't make it either. I had to pull the trigger on getting a realtor and now I am on call for them to show the house.
Thanks to Lauren and Jim for the offer of a ride
I won't be there either.
Texas sucks!
I do plan to be at the Courthouse tomorrow. I had hoped to bring a bunch of FIJA flyers from Michael P., but the logistics are not working out.
Kat, you mentioned (at the Concord Porcs meeting few weeks ago) that you had some FIJA flyers. It would be great if you could bring 'em; I'll be happy to pass 'em out outside the courthouse while you and Russ are chatting with the Judge.
Thanks for the reminder :) I'll put them out now so I'll remember to bring them.
note to feds: We will be chauffeured to the courthouse by Caleb Johnson (membership director of the Sons of Liberty - Keene chapter) and represented by (not yet governor) Dan Haynes.
I'll make the drive up tommorrow morning, where will I find you guys when I get to the courthouse, and is there parking nearby?
Any NH radio shows that we can/should call? Does Gardner know about this? Any particular press blitzing that we need to do, or should we wait on the official results?
Kevin
Now, later ....everything.
I talked to Gardner once.
Who are the Loeb's.
William Loeb (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Loeb)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Loeb (1905 - 1982) was publisher of the Union Leader newspaper in Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S., for more than three decades up until his death. His pugnacious presentation of conservative political views in the paper helped make the Union Leader one of the best-known small papers in the country, thanks to its importance as the only statewide newspaper during the New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation presidential primary.
Loeb is best remembered nationally for his alleged role in attacking Edmund Muskie through the newspaper, derailing the Maine senator's 1972 presidential bid, but in New Hampshire his major legacy is an anti-tax pledge that is still taken by most political candidates.
After Loeb's death, his wife Nacky took over as publisher, continuing his political stance.
Go Get 'em!!
Talked to bob lund the news guy at WKBK in Keene about this and gave him your number to call, Russell.
In answer to the question about talk shows , there are not many shows on wed you can just call up and change the subject. However al kulas at WKBK on saturday mornings 5a-9a lets you do that.
Here's a talk radio guide I built that will answer many of your questions about NH radio, details are there:
http://forum.soulawakenings.com/index.php?topic=1205.0
BTW, you can find us either in front of the courthouse or in the courtroom. I don't know if there are multiple courtrooms, but if there are, there should be a list of what's happening in what room. Or ask someone where to find Dillon/Kanning hearing.
As you can see.. I am not there.
On my way down to Manchester I got paged. I had to turn around and go to work.
Sorry.
Hope everything goes ok.
I slept in.
Please keep all of us informed on the events that Kat and Russell are going thru. Alot of us are not close by, such as myself, and we want to be kept up to speed on these two "Liberty Loving People" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pcwallis
Wisconsin
We plead not guilty and will have a trial on 4/19.
BTW .... keep calling the Manchester PD. They like it.
They've charged us with a class A misdemenor with a max sentence of 1 yr in jail + fine.
Did the judge seem sympathetic at all, or was it just cut and dry business?
That is good that you both plead "Not Guilty" - because your both are not GUILTY !! I never knew that signs and messages were "Weapons of Mass Destruction" It tells me that the government did not like what they were reading. Good ! Government should fear its people, not the people fear its government.
pcwallis
Wisconsin
Russell is a repeat offender!
Very cut and dry, from my perspective. Kat had a law school student who was representing her under some NH RSA. He tried to get the judge to dismiss the case due to lack of probable cause. judge shot it right down, saying that wasn't the purpose of the hearing today.
Caleb
The judge could have and should have thrown out and dismissed the case. The judge apparently does not have enough case load and needs the work.
pcwallis
Wisconsin
Quote from: russellkanning on March 01, 2006, 12:41 PM NHFT
We plead not guilty and will have a trial on 4/19.
4/19/1775 Battle of Lexington and Concord, "shot heard round the world", beginning the American Revolutionary War.
A trial is desirable from a publicity perspective. That the prosecutor didn't realize that and dismiss amazes me. But perhaps the prosecutor does realize that and wants a precedent set as well. So many wheels within wheels . . .
Russell told them later that the NHCLU is getting involved in the case. Seems like that would have belatedly clued him in.
There in lays the problem with this government. Wheels within wheels.
pcwallis
Wisconsin
Thanks to danhynes for the legal legwork today, and to everyone else who showed up for support/protest/etc. :)
One question, this is two completely seperate cases right?
They're mostly treating them separately, yes.
Sorry I didn't make it. My feet are both swollen, making standing, walking and driving impossible. I am in a pretty miserable condition.
Cathleen
Quote from: cathleeninnh on March 01, 2006, 03:15 PM NHFT
Sorry I didn't make it. My feet are both swollen, making standing, walking and driving impossible. I am in a pretty miserable condition.
Cathleen
Sorry to hear, let us know if you need help.
Oh, I hope you feel better!
Quote from: dead president on March 01, 2006, 01:08 PM NHFT
Quote from: russellkanning on March 01, 2006, 12:41 PM NHFT
We plead not guilty and will have a trial on 4/19.
4/19/1775 Battle of Lexington and Concord, "shot heard round the world", beginning the American Revolutionary War.
Thanks, prez! I like the reference! I guess time will tell here.
We can do something .... it is up to the rest if they are going to follow. It only took a few to start a violent revolution. It only will take a few for a non-violent one. :)
::)
Maybee the UN will add some charges. Get ya to stop burn'in their flags
I was pleasantly surprized to see former NH State Rep. McElroy in the courthouse to support Kat and Russell.
He's quite the firebrand, and one hell of a guy (despite his wrong-headed notions about immigration)
Anyway, it seems like he was very supportive of what you guys were doing.
Kat, thanks for bringing the FIJA flyers. Several passers-by people eagerly took them. People also honked and gave thumbs-up signs to Lauren's "Free Speech" sign, that was heartening!
On the humorous side, one of the officers from the court house informed us that in order to demonstrate on the sidewalk in front of the courthouse, we did not need a permit, but we did need to keep walking and not stand still. Given that it was butt-freezing outside, this seemed as much a health and safety tip as a legal requirement!
Especially in the shade. :snowing: :wicked:
It was good to have some friends there. :coffee!:
http://www.amconmag.com/12_15_03/feature.html
shows that what happened is the common practice of the secret service. On a positive note however, in a criminal disorderly conduct charge of this nature the judge found the defendant not guilty
Quote from: danhynes on March 03, 2006, 03:39 AM NHFT
http://www.amconmag.com/12_15_03/feature.html
shows that what happened is the common practice of the secret service. On a positive note however, in a criminal disorderly conduct charge of this nature the judge found the defendant not guilty
But it is the local police obeying the dictates of the secret service agents. They are the ones who should be putting a stop to this. "These protesters are citizens or guests of this city and state. We consider this city to be their free speech zone.They can say what they want when they want where they want as long as they do not trespass on private property or obstruct traffic or violate anyone else's rights."
Expecting the police to protect us from the police state?
Hope is...
I sent it in an e-mail to MPD.
Hope springs eternal?
Thanks for sending that!
Quote from: katdillon on March 03, 2006, 05:21 AM NHFT
Expecting the police to protect us from the police state?
Well....the other police state, anyway
Keep calling the Manchester PD ..... they should hear our names and "free speech" every day.
15 arrested at White House protesting U.S. torture practices
Mike Ferner | March 3 2006
Fifteen persons were arrested Wednesday in front of the White House after winding their way for two hours through the streets of the nation?s capital, demanding the U.S. stop torturing detainees in military prisons.
Members of Witness Against Torture began their protest at the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court, continuing to the Capitol and the Department of Justice, and ending at the White House where U.S. Park Police carried out the arrests. Speakers called on officials in each of the buildings to cease planning and executing policies that have injured and killed people in prisons such as Guantanamo Bay, Bagram in Afghanistan, and Abu Ghraib in Iraq.
Arrested were Art Laffin, of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House in Washington; Amanda and Matt Dalaisio, and Tania Theriault of the Catholic Worker?s Mary House in New York; Susan Crane from Jonah House in Baltimore; Matt Vogel, Mark Colville, Brian Kavanaugh, Carmen Trotta, Jacqueline Allen-Doucot, Alice Gerard, Bill Streit, Tom Feagley, Edith Tetaz and Jordan Manuel.
The march took place on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, an annual period when Catholics pray and fast to repent for sins. Speakers included many biblical references in their remarks.
At the Department of Justice, Bill Streit used passages from the Book of Isaiah to condemn the DOJ?s role in torturing prisoners. ?Your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt; Your lips speak falsehood, and your tongue utters deceit . . . Right is repelled and justice stands far off; for truth stumbles in the public square. Honesty is lacking, and the man who turns from evil is despoiled.?
Following Streit, Kristine Huskey, an attorney just back from Guantanamo where she represents a detainee, described torture methods prisoners have reported to her and other attorneys.
The 38 year-old attorney from the firm of Shearman and Sterling explained that some 30 detainees had been on a hunger strike since late last summer to protest their treatment. Despite being roughly force-fed, several others joined the strike on Christmas Day. At that point, military officials at Guantanamo ordered even harsher methods.
?Soldiers would strap a prisoner to one of several specially-purchased metal chairs with six-point restraints, insert an oversized tube through his nose and purposely overfeed him, causing him to vomit, defecate and urinate all over himself, and then leave him strapped in the chair for hours like that,? Huskey stated.
Describing what happened when the military ?got serious about ending the hunger strike after Christmas, she said, ?They stopped using lubricant to help the tubes go down, and began using tubes with metal tips.?
Despite the tortuous forced feedings, she reported, four prisoners remain on hunger strike at Guantanamo. Other speakers, citing reports from Amnesty International, corroborated Huskey?s statements and added that prisoners reported many instances of injuries, bleeding, and unconsciousness from the torture-feeding methods, plus numerous physical and mental injuries from torture techniques such as sensory deprivation, beatings, and burning with lighted cigarettes.
She told the protesters and a small knot of bystanders who stopped to listen, ?One of the most important things you can do is keep this issue alive and not let the world forget. I was just in Guantanamo and I can tell you that your actions provide a glimmer of hope to these prisoners -- something they?ve not had before. They are aware of your actions and express their thanks.?
Escorting six fellow protesters dressed in bright orange jumpsuits, hands tied and hoods over their heads, the marchers proceeded along busy sidewalks to the White House, carrying signs that read, ?You can deny it?s torture, but the world knows,? ?Torture is killing a person without them dying,? and ?Ban all torture -- no exception for Bush.?
Asked for an opinion of the procession that had just passed her, one woman replied tersely, ?I?m not interested.? A second, referring to a reporter?s notebook, said, ?I don?t do that.? A block later, a third person claimed, ?I didn?t even notice it.?
Several blocks further, an employee of the National Association of Manufacturers, standing in front of its headquarters, answered, ?At first I thought it was against the death penalty and then I saw what it was about. Torture? Sure, I disapprove. This war is a lie. It?s a fake that?s costing people?s lives. It?s terrible what?s going on. I lost two brothers in Vietnam. I know war is profitable, but it?s wrong.?
Arriving at the White House, the march was greeted by two patrol cars and a paddy wagon, quickly augmented by another wagon and dozens of uniformed and plainclothes U.S. Park Police and Secret Service agents.
Tourists stopped to watch and take pictures as the activists drew crosses made of ashes from the wood stove at Jonah House, on the White House sidewalk. Some of the tourists entered into conversation with the protesters, most stood quietly.
A 17-year-old student from California, asked what he thought about the event, said, ?Torture is still bad, but it?s sometimes necessary to save other lives.? A passing youth slowed to inquire, ?Are the people being tortured American citizens?? When answered, ?No,? he replied, ?then what?ve we got to do with it?? One young man was overheard telling a woman he was with, ?stick around here, honey, and your face will wind up in a database.?
Francis Gabby, in Washington from Maryland?s Eastern Shore for his job, began his comments carefully. ?They have every right to be here. I happen to agree with the majority of what they say. I don?t believe we should be torturing people.?
Asked to respond to the California student?s assertion that torture is bad but sometimes necessary, the 57-year old building management worker replied, ?It?s like the death penalty where innocent people have been executed, and besides, it just doesn?t serve any purpose -- in fact, it?s doing the opposite. It seems like we?re getting bad information anyway. I don?t have answers, but I don?t think this is the way.?
Anne Montgomery, 79, a participant in the march, said she had been to Iraq many times with Voices in the Wilderness and Christian Peacemaker Teams. She said, ?The U.S. is exporting a tremendous escalation of violence; feeding more violence in the world. Actions like this are important so that people will know that not all Americans are behind the war. Every action that says we disapprove of what our government is doing helps.?
Referring to the four CPT members still held hostage in Iraq, Montgomery said yesterday?s demonstration and others like it may well be helping them stay alive and contribute to their release.
Finished drawing the ashen crosses, 15 people stood with banners and signs in the ?no protest? zone along one section of the White House fence and waited to be arrested. In the hour it took the Park Police to begin that process, several of the soon-to-be-arrested spoke.
Her back to the fence, Theriault stated for all to hear, ?Torture and indefinite detention do not represent us and do not make us secure.?
In a voice fit for a theatrical production, Trotta boomed, ?I?m thinkin? about lunch counter sit-ins -- deliberate, deliberate breaking of the law. I?m thinkin? about Martin Luther King, and the Catonsville 9. I?m even thinkin? about the Boston Tea Party -- that was deliberate law-breaking.?
The police officers arrested each person, methodically tying their hands behind their back with plastic handcuffs. Three of the arrestees were sitting on the sidewalk in orange jumpsuits, hooded, with their hands tied in front of them. Officers removed the hoods and had to unwrap the electrical cord binding their hands before placing them in handcuffs.
With the arrestees in the wagons, the police drove them to a federal booking facility in Anacostia, charged them with demonstrating without a permit, cited them into court at a later date, and released them.
After the action was over, a safety officer wearing a HAZMAT hood and gloves took samples of the wood ashes on the sidewalk. As people left the area, a motorized street sweeper cleaned the sidewalk of ash.
Note: Protest organizers said that four days prior to the demonstration they sent out approximately 1,000 news releases -- 100 to news media outlets in the D.C. area. Reuters was the only news media outlet seen covering any part of the actions yesterday.
Quote from: russellkanning on March 03, 2006, 07:49 AM NHFT
Keep calling the Manchester PD ..... they should hear our names and "free speech" every day.
Yes it felt good to call them this am.