Protesters Gather outside Courthouse as Ross Ulbricht Trial Set to Begin

The stakes are high in one of the most anticipated criminal trials in cryptocurrency history. Ross William Ulbricht faces up to life in prison for his alleged role as Silk Road's mastermind, and supporters are doing all they can to free Ross.

Supporters have organized a protest outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse, located at 500 Pearl St in Manhattan.

According to the Facebook event, there will be rallies every morning from 8:30 am to 9:30 am EST, starting today. There will also be a press briefing following the conclusion of court proceedings each day at 5 pm EST.

Out of 349 invitees, 65 say they are going and another 23 may attend.

There are some differences in philosophy among supporters. Some express bewilderment over how someone can face a life sentence just for running a website. Others unabashedly proclaim that online marketplaces like Silk Road save lives, an argument brought up in a previous case involving a Silk Road dealer sentenced for six years.

The Free Ross campaign has raised $339,000 out of its $450,000 goal.