Julian Heicklen sprung from the Big House

News from the liberterrain…

"Just got off the phone with Susan Heicklen. Julian is home. He took a bus home and was picked up." – "Bile" at Blog of Bile

Julian Heicklen, the well-known libertarian and rights advocate who was arrested on May 25 for distributing Fully Informed Jury Association (FIJA) literature on public property in front of the US District Courthouse in Manhattan was released from detention at Riker's Island where he was being held.

Late Tuesday evening Heicklen issued the following statement to his many supporters nationwide:

Hi:

I was released from prison on June 8 at about 6:00 pm. The case against me has been dropped in the interest of justice.

My cell phone was confiscated, so I cannot access nor return any phone calls.  Do not call me.

I have not read any e-mail lately, so I have not responded. It may take several days to read it all.

I am swamped with some personal items which must be attended. Once I get caught up, I will send progress reports and schedule of events again.

Yours in freedom—Julian.

Julian Heicklen safe at home in New Jersey, at work
   on his computer. (courtesy Julian Heicklen)

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Heicklen arrest chronology:

• NY cops still manhandling peaceful activist
  

• Updates on libertarian political prisoners
  

• Updated update: Heicklen at Riker's
  

• Followup: Julian Heicklen prisoner of Riker's Island
  

• Local libertarians support jailed rights activist Julian Heicklen
  

Except for a witness, Heicklen had been distributing FIJA pamphlets alone when Federal Protection Services officer Clifford Barnes #245 placed him under arrest.

As he typically does when confronted with arrest, Heicklen lowered himself to the pavement and became unresponsive.

On past occasions the authorities called paramedics who transported him to a local hospital for psychiatric evaluation.

But this time, according to "Bile," the witness, officers brought out a wheelchair, lifted Heicklen into it, and rolled him into the courthouse.

According to the best accounts available, Heicklen was then turned over to the New York Police Department who transported him to the Bellevue Hospital Prison Ward. He was later sent to the New York City Department of Corrections where he was held in the North Infirmary Command at Riker's Island for 12 days.

The dismissal of misdemeanor resisting arrest and disorderly conduct charges is seen as proof by many of Heicklen's supporters that the arrest was unjustified in the first place.