to defend your rights? A New Hampshire man has been in prison and on a hunger strike ever since he was arrested for trying to enter a courthouse with a video camera on April 13th. Since then he has refused to give his name and even though everyone knows who he is the authorities nevertheless want to hear it from his own mouth. They will not release him until he provides that information and he will not provide it as a matter of principle. So an incident that started over a camera and whether or not the public has the right to take pictures inside New Hampshire courthouses, apparently something that is permitted by law, is now escalating into an indefinite prison term and possibly worse as the man’s condition worsens under his hunger strike.

Details of the arrest can be found on Photography is Not a Crime

Video of the arrest:

More details from Photography is not A Crime – according to a press release issued by the group the photographer belongs to:

“The first order states $10,000 cash bail and only when he reveals his name. In the latest order they have discovered his legal name, but again they say until he tells it to them, and tells them his address, he’s staying in jail. In both orders they refuse to schedule any more dates, including trial, in this matter. They will not see him for arraignment, they will not see him for preliminary hearings, and they will not see him for trial until he gives them his name and address,” said Dodson’s attorney Sharon Walker.

“The state has not even told me what they are charging me with at this point for over two weeks which Article 15 of the New Hampshire Bill of Rights clearly says that they are not to hold anyone until the charges are substantially and formally given to them,” Dodson said from a jail pay phone May 1 when he called in to WKBK-AM’s The Dan Mitchell Morning show.

How far would any of us go on a matter of principle? Would any of us willingly endure such punishment for what appears to be a trivial issue (i.e. stating his name)? Even the photography issue that started this is no longer at the center and has blurred into the background. On the other hand since the authorities know who he is what are they gaining by keeping him in prison and possibly making a martyr of him through his hunger strike?

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