Update: Here’s a press conference video with the artists – folks, you can’t make this stuff up – Link.
A follow up to yesterday’s “Aqua Teen Hunger Force LED art shuts down Boston” coverage – Two of the artists who put magnetic lights up as part of an ad campaign were arrested, based on the city’s current “post 9-11” stance it’s likely they will each get the death penalty, or perhaps worse.
CNN sent me an email and I talked to them briefly – a few blinky magnetic signs aren’t “hoax devices” and unfortunately what was demonstrated is best summed up by a MAKE reader “…anyone can cripple a city with little or no expense. Real bomb not even needed. All that’s necessary is pathetic paranoia.”
From CNN:
“Authorities have arrested two men in connection with electronic light boards depicting a middle-finger-waving moon man that triggered repeated bomb scares around Boston on Wednesday and prompted the closure of bridges and a stretch of the Charles River.
Peter Berdovsky, 27, a freelance video artist from Arlington, Massachusetts, and Sean Stevens, 28, were facing charges of placing a hoax device in a way that results in panic, as well as one count of disorderly conduct, said Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley. The hoax charge is a felony, she said. Both men were arrested Wednesday evening.
Authorities believe Berdovsky was “in the employ of other individuals” as part of the marketing campaign, Coakley said. “How exactly this was executed, we are still investigating.” Berdovsky is scheduled for arraignment at 9 a.m. Thursday in Charlestown District Court.”
Pictured here, Ignignokt by lunarbull. Image created by Fark user Toonz.
Men accused of hoax plead not guilty –
The artists shuffled into Boston Municipal Court in handcuffs. Stevens was particularly animated, grinning at the gallery of about 40 supporters and raising his cuffed hand to give a low wave.
Judge Paul K. Leary seemed skeptical of the state’s case, telling Grossman that the law requires that people must intend to create a panic to be charged with placing hoax devices. This case, the judge said, seemed to involve two men who relatives say were paid to place unorthodox advertisements throughout the city.
More:
- Artist arrested for planting marketing figures – Link.
- TV Network Takes Responsibility For ‘Hoax Devices’ – Link.
- Suspicious Devices in Boston Turn Out to Be Ad Campaign for Cartoon – Link.
- Who Hates Guerilla Marketing in Boston? – Link.
- Two held after ad campaign triggers Boston bomb scare – Link.
- Statement from Turner Broadcasting Co. – Link.
- Peter Berdovsky’s site – Link.
A couple MAKE readers who found one of the artworks sent us in some close up photos –
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