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Right to record in court civil disobedience

Timeline:

Sometime before March 3rd, 2009: Due to judge Edward Burke’s increased restrictions on filming the proceedings of activists in Keene District Court after Burke’s outburst and subsequent publicizing during Ian Bernard’s trial over a couch left on his yard Dave Ridley decided to record the arraignment of Andrew Carroll for marijuana posession regardless of court permission.

Tuesday March 3rd, 2009: As he attempts to walk into Andrew Carroll’s arraignment recording with his cell phone live, Dave is arrested for disorderly conduct and given a date of April 13th, 2009 for an arraignment.

He’s released a short time later.

Monday June 22nd, 2009:

Dave appears in court. He finds out then that the disorderly conduct charge  had been dropped and replaced with contempt of court. He is found guilty and was given a $250 fine with 2 weeks to pay or after those two weeks show up to the Cheshire County DOC to serve a sentence of 6 days in jail. He stated he would not pay a fine so it is expected he will serve the sentence out as directed. His offer of performing community service was rejected.

Footage of full trial provided by FreeKeene.com

Thursday July 2th, 2009: Dave Ridley issues apology to judge Edward Burke regarding a rhetorical question Dave shouted as Burke left the room after his trial.

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Judge Edward Burke
Keene District Court
P.O. Box 364
Keene, NH 03431-0364

July 2, 2009

Dear Judge Burke:

I wanted to give you a quick shout and apologize for the wording of the question I presented you with on June 22.  I believe I said “Do you have any concerns regarding the man you sentenced to death?”

I realized shortly thereafter that you were possibly not the one who issued the jail sentence which turned into a sort of death sentence for Stewart Clark.  After some research, with the help of Barbara at your office, I learned that you personally may have had little or no role in the sentencing.  My understanding at this point it that the sentence itself more likely came from Superior Court.

I’m sorry for jumping the gun in accusing you of the sentencing.  There is plenty for which you *do* deserve blame.  I still have concerns as to what if any role you may have played in the Clarke process.  And there are still grievances regarding your continued role in damaging harmless lives.

But it is never okay for me to be inaccurate with accusation.

Yours,

Dave Ridley
Grafton

cc: FreeKeene.com,
RidleyReport.com

Sunday July 5th, 2009: Dave announces a sendoff at 3:30pm on July 6th, 2009. Just before he turns himself in to Cheshire County Jail at 5pm.

Tuesday July 7th, 2009: MotorhomeDiaries release interview with Dave before he left for jail.

Sunday July 12th, 2009: Dave Ridley released from jail. Forty two people showed up to welcome him.

Media:

Sources:

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