In a surprising turn of events, well-known blogger Aidan "Turtleboy" Kearney made his first appearance on the opposite side of the Norfolk Superior Court gallery, facing 16 counts of witness intimidation and conspiracy related to his coverage and activism in the Karen Read case. Kearney, usually recognized for his signature green attire and turtle-themed accessories, appeared in court wearing a cream suit, signaling a newfound seriousness to the proceedings.

During his noon arraignment, Kearney was granted an early Christmas present as he was released on personal recognizance, relieving him from the various restrictions previously imposed on him at the District Court level. These restrictions included stay-away orders from witnesses in the Read case, with whom he was prohibited from engaging in any form of harassment, whether directly or indirectly.

Despite the less raucous and crowded atmosphere compared to Karen Read's previous court appearance, Kearney's loyal followers, known as "Turtle Riders," gathered in large numbers. The traditional "Free Karen Read" t-shirts were still prominent, alongside new slogans such as "Free Aidan Kearney" and "Journalism is not a crime" emblazoned around his mugshot.

Special Prosecutor Kenneth Mello, who was appointed to handle this case, arrived at the court with a security detail to navigate through the throngs of Kearney's supporters attending the midday hearing.

Addressing the court, Mello acknowledged the significance of the hearing, remarking, "Obviously this hearing today is not being held in a vacuum." He raised concerns about Kearney's alleged violation of the original bail conditions, claiming that the defendant continued to encourage his followers to harass witnesses in the Read case.

However, Judge Peter Krupp highlighted that the Superior Court operates under different rules than the district court and requested Mello to provide case law that supported his request for stricter conditions without Kearney's consent. As Mello did not pursue dangerousness hearings or seek to impose bail, his argument faltered, leading to Kearney's release.

Outside the courthouse, Kearney's defense attorney, Tim Bradl, criticized the case against his client, deeming it weak and stating that all of Kearney's actions were protected by the First Amendment. Bradl even referenced the Pentagon Papers case as an example of journalists being insulated from criminal liability in publishing illegally obtained government material.

Bradl went on to emphasize that Kearney should not be simply labeled as a blogger, asserting that he is an exceptional investigative journalist who has uncovered significant information in the Read case.

Kearney's coverage has garnered a passionate fan base, as evidenced by the strong support shown at the court hearing. Supporters expressed solidarity with Turtleboy and sought personal photos with Kearney, eagerly requesting his autograph.

Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming backing, Kearney stated, "I'm blown away by the support. I feel like this issue has united left and right." He highlighted the threat to justice and the First Amendment, referencing not only the actions against himself and Karen Read but also the Canton Nine and police dispatcher Jannell Webb, who he claimed had blown the whistle on public corruption.

Webb, from Hanson, was indicted on Wednesday with charges of unlawfully conspiring with Kearney to intimidate Jennifer McCabe, Elizabeth Proctor, and Michael Proctor, a Massachusetts State Police detective involved in the Read case.

The court hearing and Kearney's subsequent release have generated considerable attention, sparking debates concerning the boundaries of freedom of speech and the responsibilities of journalists. As the case unfolds, many eagerly await further developments and the impact it may have on the ongoing investigation into alleged government abuse and corruption.