Policy

Libertarian Activist Adam Kokesh Gets Two Years Probation for Exercising His Freedom in Freedom Plaza

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The sad saga of anarcho-libertarian activist Adam Kokesh being arrested and tried for video of himself holding a verboten gun on federal property has ended not as bad as it could have for him, the Washington Post reports today, with two years probation–and a vow to abandon civil disobedience:

A D.C. Superior Court judge Friday placed Adam Kokesh, the Fairfax County gun-rights advocate, on two years of probation in connection with an Independence Day incident in which he videotaped himself loading a shotgun in Freedom Plaza, near the White House.

Kokesh, 31, spent nearly four months in D.C. jail after his arrest, but was released inNovember after he pleaded guilty to carrying a rifle or shotgun, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition….

At his sentencing Friday, Kokesh spoke of his right to protest, but apologized for his actions.

"I protest because I believe it is everyone's right," he said, standing next to his attorney. "I made an error in judgement. I am here because I take responsibility. I will be happy to refrain from civil disobedience."…

Kokesh was facing a maximum of more than seven years in prison on all the charges…

Kokesh has to register as a gun offender…

Kokesh's own video from the courthouse. (I've been having problems with the audio on this, but maybe you won't.)

Reason on Kokesh.