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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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34

Blogger's Case Tests Limits of Free Speech

Far-right critic remains in jail after calling for judges' deaths

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(Newser) – When three federal judges rejected an NRA lawsuit, Internet radio host Hal Turner got angry. “These judges deserve to be killed,” he wrote on his blog. “Their blood will replenish the tree of liberty.” Then he posted photos of the judges, maps to their courthouse, and info on the building’s “anti-truck bomb barriers.” Now he’s in jail awaiting trial, in a case that will test the limits of free speech, the Washington Post reports.

“He did not say go out and kill,” his lawyer argues. “This is political hyperbole, nothing more. He’s a shock jock.” But the FBI and US Attorney’s office think Turner crossed the line by posting the judges' information. Turner, intriguingly, is an FBI informant, who occasionally provided information on right-wing extremists. More often, however, he was an “agent provocateur,” recruited to provoke violent public reactions from leftists.

This photo provided by State Capitol Police shows Harold
This photo provided by State Capitol Police shows Harold "Hal" Turner in Hartford, Conn. Thursday, June 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/State Capitol Police)
In this June 22, 2009, file photo Harold
In this June 22, 2009, file photo Harold "Hal" Turner from North Bergen, N.J., leaves Hartford Superior Court in Hartford, Conn.   (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)
Harold
Harold "Hal" Turner, left, of North Bergen, N.J., stands with his attorney during his arraignment in Hartford Superior Court, June 22, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
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These judges deserve to be made such an example of as to send a message to the entire judiciary: Obey the Constitution or die. - Hal Turner

I would give very strong odds on a thousand bucks that once he said that stuff, it takes it out of any kind of hyperbole range. I just don't see him being protected. - Martin H. Redish, First Amendment scholar at Northwestern University, saying posting the information was likely illegal

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34 comments
VIEWING:
 
Newser001
Aug 15, 09 2:02 PM CDT
Hal Turner, another deranged citizen. Lock him up and throw away the keys... Enough said. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+17
IN RESPONSE:
dontlikeyou
Aug 15, 09 5:30 PM CDT
Anyone who speaks against the left is a "deranged citizen" these days. I look forward to the death of fascism in this country, which will coincide with the death of the current liberal agenda.
Vote up! Vote down!
-6
IN RESPONSE:
plstyle
Aug 15, 09 6:05 PM CDT
Jesus, Mr. 001, lighting up! What is everybody thinking? From the information provided in this article, how can anybody justify throwing this guy in prison? Shit Man, I agree one should be mindful of what they say/blog/etc, but I thought we lived in America?
Vote up! Vote down!
-4
IN RESPONSE:
denaliguide
Aug 15, 09 10:52 PM CDT
ENOUGH. As a NRA Sympathizer, I'd say, roast this guy, he has no brain, no loss. Like it or not, it is a rule of law, and assasinating judges does not belong in a country with rule of law. Free Speech does not cover this, IMO. DG
Vote up! Vote down!
+2
dontlikenobody
Aug 15, 09 2:02 PM CDT
The FBI has really dirty hands on this one - not only because they recruited this guy to provoke violence ( a trick worthy of the Staasi or the KGB - or the Gestapo), but also because they recruited a guy who's obviously a nutcase, with no sense of the limits civilized people respect. There is NO right to cry fire in a crowded theater, no right to incite civil insurrection, and no right to counsel murder. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+6

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