A U.S. district court judge today dismissed federal charges against the AETA 4, four activists charges with acts of terrorism under the Animal Enterprise Terrorist Act. In his ruling the judge stated that federal prosecutors did not show how any of the supposed activities these activists were engaged in amounted to crimes. In fact, he said their activities were protected free speech.
In my opinion, federal prosecutors were trying to disrupted legal activities and reached for the AETA to do it, hoping that the 4 activists would cease their campaign, or, that somehow they would actually be found guilty of these crimes thus bringing an end to their campaign. I'm just guessing.
The federal government can still re-indict, though. Read the story here.
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That is great news. The intent of the case was clear: chill free speech. They wanted activists everywhere to think twice before speaking up for any cause. This decision reinforces our right to speak freely. Let's use it!
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