*Former CNN anchor turned unbiased journalist Don Lemon pleaded not responsible Friday to federal civil rights costs stemming from his protection of a January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The case has develop into a flashpoint in debates over press freedom, with Lemon vowing he’ll “not be intimidated” and can “not again down.”
The Authorized Battle
A federal Justice of the Peace choose initially rejected the Division of Justice’s try to cost Lemon, citing inadequate proof. Nevertheless, a grand jury later indicted Lemon and eight others, resulting in his February 13 arraignment the place he entered a not responsible plea.
Lemon’s lawyer Abbe Lowell said on Lemon’s official Instagram account Thursday, noting that journalists’ First Modification rights have been “correctly bolstered” by the federal choose’s preliminary ruling. The assertion concludes: “Ought to the Division of Justice proceed with a shocking and troubling effort to silence and punish a journalist for doing his job, Don will name out their newest assault on the rule of legislation and battle any costs vigorously and completely in courtroom.”
The Fees and Lemon’s Protection
The indictment alleges Lemon participated in a “coordinated takeover-style assault” on Cities Church, the place protesters disrupted a service to confront Pastor David Easterwood, who additionally serves as an ICE area director. Prosecutors declare Lemon violated the Freedom of Entry to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits interfering with spiritual worship.
Lemon has constantly maintained he was working as a journalist. “For greater than 30 years I’ve been a journalist, and the ability and safety of the First Modification has been the underpinning of my work,” he instructed reporters outdoors the courthouse.
Social Media Claims vs. Actuality
Amid the authentic authorized proceedings, a sensationalized submit from the account @mcafeenew has circulated on-line with the headline: “CHURCH FURY UNLEASHED: DON LEMON SLAPPED WITH $25 MILLION LAWSUIT After INVADING Sacred Prayer Service – ‘He CRUSHED Our 1st Modification Rights in an UNGODLY ATTACK!’”
This declare seems to be false or exaggerated. No credible information sources—together with the Related Press, BBC, CNN, or courtroom information—have reported any $25 million lawsuit filed by the church in opposition to Lemon. The precise authorized motion in opposition to Lemon consists of federal legal costs, not a civil lawsuit from the church. Cities Church leaders have expressed gratitude for the Division of Justice’s involvement however haven’t introduced any unbiased authorized motion.
What Occurs Subsequent
Legal professional Basic Pam Bondi, reportedly “enraged” by the choose’s preliminary rejection of costs, has continued to push the case ahead. Lemon’s protection group, together with high-profile lawyer Abbe Lowell and former federal prosecutor Joe Thompson, has signaled they are going to vigorously battle the costs on First Modification grounds.
The Nationwide Affiliation of Black Journalists has condemned the prosecution as a part of “the federal government’s escalating effort and actions to criminalize and threaten press freedom underneath the guise of legislation enforcement.”
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