CNN iReport is covering a fascinating story out of New Hampshire:
The controversial felony wiretapping charges journalist and CopBlock.org founder Adam ‘Ademo’ Mueller is facing will go to trial, a situation that has stirred up a hornet’s nest of free speech advocates in New Hampshire.
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This will be the first time an activist has taken a case this serious to trial since the state passed HB 146, a jury nullification law that ensures the defense’s right to inform the jury of their right to issue “not guilty” verdicts when they disagree with the application of the law in question.
According to court documents, the three wiretapping charges stem from a vlog Mueller posted on CopBlock.org, which featured recordings of on-duty public officials being interviewed about alleged police brutality at a local school. Mueller was reporting about a video recorded by a Manchester West High School student’s cell phone, depicting Officer Darren Murphy slamming a handcuffed student’s face into a cafeteria table.
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“Bring on the circus!” Mueller told the judge in anticipation of his trial, which is scheduled to begin August 13.
Bring on the circus, indeed.
The video of the officer assaulting the student and associated interviews can be viewed here.
Wiretapping? Say what? What ‘wires’ were involved in a video taping a student? And Mueller did not even do the videotaping.
Mueller posted a video sent to him by the person who did. And in the First Circuit, it is perfectly legal to video public officials in a public place. Glik v. Cunniffe (2011).
The only thing that Mueller recorded were his telephone interviews with on-duty police officer speaking in their official capacity. Perhaps that is the basis of the claim, but that would be very weak, given that reporters routinely record their interviews of public officials.
This has to be a loser for the state.
By the way, if you are interested in the views of certain police offers on this case, take a look at the comments to this article posted on a website where only proven law enforcement officers can post. The disrespect of citizens and the constitution is blatant.
Thanks for picking up this story – how this is the #2 CNN iReport of all time and the mainstream media is remaining silent about it is beyond my comprehension.
More journalists need to band together and pick up Ademo’s story – or they could be next.