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Free the Rikers 7Due process · Civil contempt · Family rights

Sworn statements

Affidavit

A firsthand sworn statement is the strongest thing a person can put on the record. This page explains what one should contain and how to send it.

Why affidavits matter here

CAMPAIGN POSITION

Where the court file is incomplete or unavailable, sworn firsthand statements from the people who were present establish what actually happened in the courtroom. The campaign does not edit, summarize or improve any statement it receives. It is published as written, under a FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT label, with any legal context kept in a separate labeled section.

What an affidavit should include

  1. 01The name of the person making the statement
  2. 02The court, county and docket number of the proceeding, if known
  3. 03The dates of the hearings and of the confinement
  4. 04What the person personally saw, heard or experienced
  5. 05Whether notice or papers were received, and how
  6. 06Whether counsel was requested, offered, assigned or waived
  7. 07Whether ability to pay was raised and what evidence was presented
  8. 08Whether written findings were given, and what they said
  9. 09A signature, date, and notarization where possible

How to submit

Send the signed statement, with any supporting documents, to freetherikers7@gmail.com. Statements from family members, employers, witnesses and attorneys are all welcome.

Nothing is rewritten. Your words stay your words.