In an unprecedented assault on free speech, a New York judge delivers a crippling blow to former President Trump, forbidding him from sharing vital evidence online. This shocking decision begs the question: How much farther will they go to muzzle the voice of the 45th President and suppress the truth?
In a shocking display of censorship, New York state Judge Juan Merchan has issued an order barring former President Donald Trump from posting evidence on social media pertaining to the hush money case brought forth by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The former President is being charged in connection with a 2016 payment made by his then-personal attorney, Michael Cohen, to Stormy Daniels. Trump has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Merchan’s order prevents Trump from sharing “any materials and information provided by the People to the Defense in accordance with their discovery obligations.” This decision limits Trump’s ability to disclose important information to the public, potentially infringing upon his First Amendment rights. Trump’s team had argued that such an order would violate his constitutional rights to free speech.
Further suppressing Trump’s access to information, Merchan’s order also states that anyone with access to the evidence being turned over to Trump’s team by state prosecutors “shall not copy, disseminate or disclose” the material to third parties, including social media platforms, “without prior approval from the court.” This directive is particularly concerning for supporters of free speech and transparency in the legal system.
The judge’s order singles out Trump, specifying that he is only allowed to review sensitive “Limited Dissemination Materials” from prosecutors in the presence of his lawyers and “shall not be permitted to copy, photograph, transcribe, or otherwise independently possess the Limited Dissemination Materials.” In addition, Trump is restricted from reviewing “forensic images of witness cell phones,” although his lawyers can show him “approved portions” of the images after obtaining permission from the judge.
These rulings support DA Bragg’s request for a protective order, arguing that it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the materials and prevent Trump from using them “inappropriately.” Trump’s attorneys have criticized the request as being “extremely restrictive,” potentially violating the former President’s rights to free speech and a fair trial.
The defense and prosecution have yet to respond to requests for comment on the judge’s order. As the case unfolds, supporters of the former President and advocates for free speech are left questioning the fairness of this judicial decision and the potential implications for Trump’s First Amendment rights.
This ongoing legal battle between Trump and DA Bragg raises concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process, particularly when it comes to high-profile individuals like the former President. With this restrictive ruling in place, is free speech in America truly under threat?
As former President Trump faces an alarming attack on his First Amendment rights, the blatant censorship enacted by a New York judge should send shivers down the spine of every American. This outrageous decision sets a dangerous precedent, placing our cherished freedoms at grave risk. Stay with Next News for updates on this crucial case, as we tirelessly defend our fundamental liberties in the face of tyrannical forces threatening to snuff out the last flicker of true free speech in America.
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