SPLC seeks dismissal of criminal charges, saying prosecution is vindictive
Summary
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) asked a federal judge to drop criminal charges against it, calling the case a politically motivated attack led by President Donald Trump. The Justice Department charged the civil rights group with fraud, but the SPLC denies the accusations and says the prosecution is unfair.Key Facts
- The SPLC is charged with 11 counts of wire fraud and bank fraud by the Justice Department.
- Charges accuse the SPLC of lying to donors and banks about payments to informants infiltrating hate groups.
- The SPLC says the case is politically motivated and linked to attacks by President Trump and his officials.
- The SPLC lawyers argue this is a vindictive prosecution that violates due process rights.
- Earlier investigations by the FBI and IRS found no criminal wrongdoing before the charges were filed.
- The case was reopened after the SPLC became a frequent target of the Trump administration’s public criticisms.
- Other groups and individuals have recently also faced what courts called vindictive prosecutions under the Trump administration.
- The SPLC’s lawyers cited statements by officials as proof that the charges are driven by improper political reasons.
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