ACLU: Freedom of Speech Threatened in Narragansett

ACLU: Freedom of Speech Threatened in Narragansett

The ACLU is accusing the Narragansett Police Department of stifling freedom of speech by pressing cyberstalking charges against two residents who made disparaging comments about town officials on a craigslist forum.

The ACLU has sent a letter to Police Chief Dean Hoxsie, seeking to have the charges dismissed.

“We do not think it is a coincidence that both of the alleged ‘victims’ leading to these charges are politicians,” said ACLU Executive Director Steven Brown. “While the comments that were posted are nasty, crude and offensive, they were not threatening in any way. We believe the police department’s decision to press criminal charges against these two residents is itself a troubling form of governmental bullying designed to stifle speech against public officials.”

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Narragansett resident Themistocles Faraone was charged for comments he made about retired police officer and town council candidate Douglas McLaughlin. Michael Handrigan was charged for his postings about James Durkin, a current town councilor.

Brown said noted that McLaughlin and Durkin had the option of suing over libel.