Megaupload Dotcom Mansion Raid Video Released

We've been talking about the legal drama centering on Megaupload owner Kim Dotcom and other executives with the file sharing company for a while. The legal battle has centered on having Dotcom and other managers of the website extradited to the United States to stand trial for alleged mass copyright infringement. As the case has drawn on, courts have ruled the search warrants used in the raid on Dotcom's home were invalid.

There have been allegations in the court case that the law enforcement officers and FBI agents who executed the raid on the Dotcom home used excessive force. A video of the raid showing footage from surveillance cameras on the property and police video recordings from helicopters has hit the Internet. The video also shows some footage of the courtroom testimony with law enforcement officers remaining anonymous.

The video shows at least two helicopters landing on the property and heavily armed police officers storming the Dotcom home with little warning. Shortly behind the officers who were deployed via helicopter came multiple police vehicles filled with yet more heavily armed police officers. Dotcom notes during court testimony on the video that he was in what is called "The Red Room" and didn't come out to meet police officers because he feared he would be shot.

He does point out that The Red Room had a door that he could have easily locked, but he left it unlocked so police could gain entry. Interestingly, the police knew that The Red Room existed and even had plans of the home, yet it still took 13 minutes for them to find Dotcom. At least, one police officer testified that "deliberate force" was applied to Dotcom. Dotcom says he was punched in the face, thrown to the ground, kicked in the ribs, and one officer stood on his hands even know he was sitting with his hands in the air and offering no resistance.

[via TheNextWeb]