In reply to the many emails, and I’m sorry I can’t reply to everyone personally at this time:
I spoke with Mr. Keller today, John’s criminal attorney. He said John was probably wronged in court because he had been doing this without an attorney until the day before the hearing, and they all know his name by now. (I think they may really believe he’s a lying, sneaky rich guy. Boy are they wrong!)
We have more than enough funds promised (as long as some people who donate want to fund this instead of just press releases) to have him file an appeal. His attorney is only asking for the filing fees. If he can get the case moved to the right county he might be able to get his travel expenses counted and his child support set at a reasonable amount. God willing.
But for John, this isn’t about child support.
It’s about not losing your right to parent your child without a jury trial.
It’s about Equal Parenting.
The doctors have asked John to drink water. He has, on two occasions. He’s had about 20 ounces of water in 9 days. He had 6 ounces today, “to celebrate” tomorrow’s rally, and to stop “the shakes.” This isn’t a hunger strike. He doesn’t want to die.
John is a faithful man. This isn’t “pulling a stunt,” like some might assume. John isn’t like that, he’s a very thoughtful man. Sure, he does things like climb tall structures and demonstrate in front of politicians’ offices (video), but he does it with faith and love. I could tell today he was disappointed that “the medical personnel [at the Onondaga County Justice Center] don’t care” whether he lives.
I wish everyone could see and hear John, they’d see who he really is, not the image that comes to mind when they hear, “locked up for child support.” Here are three short videos of John appearing on TV:
| The Start of an effort using NonViolentAction. (2:30) | |
| Why go to Jail? The Need for a Jury. (1:00) | |
| The Importance of Family. (:40) |
John is staying strong in spirit, all considered, though his body is weak. As far as me insisting he stop and eat something, like some want me to do, he’s calling the shots. All I can do is what he asks of me. I told him some people want him to stop. I told him someone wanted me to tell him that Dom needs him. Then we got back to the business of his nonviolent action.
Teri Stoddard
teri@akidsright.org
Call tollfree: 877-635-1968 ex 212
(ignore the messages, it’s a business phone)
Additional info:
John Murtari Struggles Physically, Maintains Nonviolent Action, Eight Days Without Water or Food
8/9: International Day Of Protest For John Murtari, Equal Parenting and Family Rights

