To some people John Murtari is a deadbeat parent. Others see him as a good parent and man of faith. Graduating Cum Laude from the Air Force Academy with a degree in Astronautical Engineering, Murtari went on to Pilot Training and became an Instructor Pilot. Divorced with one son, he now owns a small internet company and serves as a Lector at St. Michael’s, his local Church.

Murtari was arrested in front of his home in Lyons on Monday night for an unpaid traffic ticket. Police used pepper spray when Murtari began passive resistance. Murtari is the founder of akidsright.org, a parents group that advocates for a Federal Family Rights Act. He says the law is unjust and plans on continuing to be passive while incarcerated.

In an affidavit for the court Murtari wrote, “The backdoor connection between Child Support payments and driving is a violation of individual rights to due process. Family Court Support proceedings operate with reduced levels of proof and evidence. I now face numerous criminal charges with no real means of defense. If my license had been suspended due to DWI, speeding, or other traffic violations I would have been protected during those proceedings by strict rules of evidence and a strong burden of proof.”

Two years ago Murtari also passively resisted arrest and went 10 days without food or water before he was given a feeding tube by his jailers. Murtari appeared in court yesterday looking drawn and tired. Members of the Equal Parents for Children group in Rochester observed the hearing and said he didn’t look well. Today is Murtari’s third day without food or water.

Laurie Reilly Radio Show, John Murtari Interview, Sept 10, 06

news10now, John Murtari In Jail Interview, 2006