More about the story here: http://freekeene.com/

From Y/T: "Videographer arrested 3/3/09 for trying to film arraignment of Gandhi-emulating marijuana activist. Here's the back story, in the form of an LTE I sent to the local paper:

On Nov. 14, authorities at Keene District Court ordered documentary videographer Tom Caruso to shut off his camera - and keep it off. They were just four minutes into a trial he drove four *hours* to film. No acceptable explanation was provided.

I know some of the court operatives and personally like them. But like them or not, they should not be able to draw a veil of secrecy around their public proceedings. You have a right to know what they're doing with your money. You have a right to know how it looks.

In protest of their partial censorship, I've informed KDC authorities I will respectfully attempt to enter the courtroom around 8:00 a.m. on March 3. I'll have a video camera, and I will *not* shut it off. Not without an acceptable reason. I'll film the arraignment of Gandhi-emulating marijuana activist Andrew Carroll in an appropriate, comprehensive manner, or be arrested.

I'm willing to accept a stiff penalty. But if seized, I will suggest a taxpayer-friendly sentence of community service: Highway litter pickup to be performed in or near Keene.

Yours,


Dave Ridley
(Former Keene resident)
Manchester"