from
http://jailedactivist.info/activists/ian-bernard/

Current reason for incarceration:

On the second or third week of August, 2008, a code enforcer by the name of Carl Patten Jr. left a ticket at Ian’s home indicating he had to remove the couch placed in his tenants front lawn. A week later on August 26th Mr. Patten returned with a second ticket. This time it was caught on video. Later a Keene resident commented on that video claiming Mr. Patten had show blatant favoritism when dealing with an issue concerning the commenter and her neighbor who apparently was friends with him. On September 17th, Ian’s tenants noticed Mr. Patten snooping around. He was caught on camera sitting in his car, parked across the street from the house.

A day later Ian received a letter in the mail indicating that since the violation had not been paid within 7 days the fine was doubled from $100.00 to $200.00. In response Ian wrote them a letter, had it notarized and hand delivered it on the morning of September 26th. While in the lobby of the building he was approached by Mr. Patten who preceded to attempt to give Ian a pink, folded piece of paper which he refused to take. Carl Patten then touch the paper to Ian’s shoulder and let it fall to the floor. He indicated that Ian had been “served” and went on his way. It turned out to be a complaint indicating he was to appear before the Keene District Court on October 1st.

During the appearance Ian attempted to ask some questions but was railroaded. Eventually being threatened with arrest if he did not stop speaking.

His court date was set for October 29th. Photos of the couch were finally made available on October 18th at FreeKeene.com.

A few days later the trial was moved to November 14th, 2008.

On October 21nd Ian had a meeting with Mr. Medard K. Kopczynski, assistant city manager of Keene, to discuss what was going on and make an offer. He told him that he “would agree to move the couch if they would agree to discharge this issue, only prosecute me in the future if they have a victim, and acknowledge the truth that no contract exists between us.” In turn Mr. Kopczynski replied:

I have reviewed your request relative to your case. The City of Keene can discharge the matter before the court, when compliance with city ordinance is achieved. To avoid court prosecution you must remove the violation.

A detailed description of the meeting can be found on the Free Talk Live radio broadcast from that night approximately 74 minutes in.

Ian responded by writing a NOTICE OF DISCUSSION, had it notarized, and hand delivered it to the clerk of court, Larry S. Kane.

On November 14th, 2008 Ian arrived to the Keene District Court for his 1:30PM court appearance. They allowed only one camera into the courtroom for the crowd and indicated clearly with posters on the walls outside the courtroom that anyone who failed to stand for Judge Edward Burke would be found in contempt of court. This lead to several supporters staying outside while the trial began. Within 10-15 seconds of the trial starting Judge Edward Burke called for Ian Bernard to be taken into custody after yelling for him to “have a seat” 4 times while Ian stood at attention to address the court. Raw footage from the trial below.