Lawsuit: Town Was Wrong to Arrest Man at Open Meeting

The New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union is suing the town of Alton and its police chief on behalf of a man who was arrested after suggesting at a public meeting in February that the entire board of selectmen resign.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in federal court in Concord on behalf of Jeffrey Clay, who was arrested Feb. 3. A judge in June dismissed the disorderly conduct charge against him, saying the board's actions amounted to "pure censorship."

The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, says the board's policy gave members of the public five minutes to speak. The suit says Clay was ordered to stop after 40 seconds and was arrested when he didn't.

Alton's police chief and town administrator did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us