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Nev. Newspaper Defends Commenters' Anonymity

Review-Journal , ACLU fight subpoena for commenters' identities

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 16, 2009 4:34 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A tax-evasion trial has sparked a free-speech controversy at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The paper has declined to honor a federal subpoena demanding the identities of everyone who commented on an article on the trial. Businessman Robert Kahre faces tax-fraud charges for hiding the real value of sales of gold and silver coins, and an article attracted nearly 200 comments—mostly supportive of Kahre, and highly critical of the prosecution.

Such comments, including one that said jurors who rule against Kahre “should be hung (sic) along with the feds,” prompted prosecutors to issue the subpoena out of fear for the jurors’ safety. But the Review-Journal and Nevada ACLU say the subpoena goes too far. Anonymous commentary is “a fundamental and historic part of this country,” said an ACLU rep.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal faces a subpoena demanding the identities of people who left anonymous comments on a web article.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal faces a subpoena demanding the identities of people who left anonymous comments on a web article.   (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
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Anytime we get people writing that if a particular verdict isn't reached, that jurors ought to come to physical harm, that's no good. And if somebody wants to investigate that, that's their perfect right.
- Judge David Ezra

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
luluzz
Jun 16, 2009 11:17 AM CDT
Having worked for the Review-Journal for 7 years, I just hope they get nailed in any way possible.
inky
Jun 16, 2009 10:33 AM CDT
As a frequent poster, all I can say is "whew."
kokuaguy
Jun 16, 2009 9:57 AM CDT
The ACLU is definitely on the right side of this issue.

Do physical threats cross the boundaries of free speech?
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

 
Internet • free speech • ACLU • tax evasion • subpoena • Internal Revenue Service • tax dodge • inappropriate comments • commentary • Las Vegas Review-Journal

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