Bitcoin Jesus, Dread Pirate Roberts, and Free Stater Ian Freeman Walk Into a Bar...

By Carla Garrick, Host of Manch Talk

In the freest state in the nation, New Hampshire, an alarming case is unfolding that strikes at the heart of liberty, decentralization, and financial innovation. Ian Freeman, a prominent member of the Free State Project and Bitcoin advocate, is facing an eight-year prison sentence in what many see as a politically motivated attack on cryptocurrency pioneers. Let’s unpack his case, its implications, and how you can help fight for justice.

The Case of Ian Freeman

Ian Freeman has been imprisoned since December 2022 after operating Bitcoin ATMs that were allegedly used by scammers. While Freeman had no direct involvement in the scams, the government convicted him of tax evasion, failing to register as a money transmitter, and money laundering. Notably, all fraud charges were dropped before trial, yet Freeman’s reputation has been tarnished by a government narrative portraying him as a fraudster.

The crux of the matter? Freeman’s Bitcoin ATMs were simply tools used by others to commit fraud. Applying the same logic, every bank operating an ATM could be held liable for crimes committed with cash withdrawn from their machines. This selective enforcement underscores the broader issue: a targeted effort to suppress cryptocurrency innovation.

A Broader Trend of Targeting Crypto Pioneers

Ian Freeman’s case is not an isolated incident. Prominent figures in the cryptocurrency world are also facing severe legal challenges:

Roger Ver (Bitcoin Jesus): Known for his early advocacy of Bitcoin, Ver renounced his U.S. citizenship and is now facing extradition from Spain on charges of tax evasion. His critiques of government interference in Bitcoin’s original vision have made him a target of lawfare.
Ross Ulbricht (Dread Pirate Roberts): The creator of Silk Road was sentenced to two life sentences without parole. Ulbricht’s platform facilitated anonymous trade, including illegal activities, yet mainstream platforms like eBay and Facebook face no such scrutiny for similar user behavior.

These cases share a common thread: they challenge state power and centralized systems, advocating for freedom, decentralization, and innovation.

Government Overreach and the “Big Lie”

Freeman’s case, much like Ulbricht’s, has been clouded by what Garrick calls the “big lie”—a propaganda tactic where the government spreads misleading narratives to poison public perception. For Ulbricht, it was unsubstantiated claims of murder-for-hire. For Freeman, terms like “fraudster” and “scammer” dominate search results, shaping opinion before facts are even considered.

This tactic, combined with aggressive legal maneuvers—such as raiding Roger Ver’s tax attorneys—raises serious questions about the erosion of rule of law and fairness in the legal system.

Call to Action

We can’t afford to remain silent while innovators like Ian Freeman are targeted. Here’s how you can help:

Join the Rally for Ian Freeman
- When: Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM
- Where: New Hampshire State House, Concord, NH
  
  Raise your voice against these unjust convictions and support a fair judicial process.
Sign Petitions
- Visit FreeIanNow.org to sign the petition advocating for Freeman’s pardon.
- Also, support similar efforts for Ross Ulbricht (FreeRoss.org) and Roger Ver (FreeRogerNow.org).
Educate Yourself and Spread AwarenessLearn more about these cases and share the message to counter government narratives. Together, we can challenge systemic overreach.

Why This Matters

Ian Freeman’s case isn’t just about one man—it’s about defending the principles of innovation, decentralization, and individual liberty. If we allow these injustices to go unchallenged, we risk losing the freedoms that make New Hampshire and this nation great.

Let’s stand together to protect these values. Attend the rally, sign the petitions, and join the movement to ensure a brighter, freer future for all.

Carla Garrick is the host of Manch Talk and a prominent advocate for liberty in New Hampshire.