The Hartford Courant (Connecticut): Harmful Speech Not Protected


September 28, 2005 Wednesday

In response to the article "Court In City Hears Falun Gong Torture Suit" [Page 1, Sept. 23]:

Zhao Zhizhen's argument that the anti-Falun Gong content disseminated by his media outlets is protected under the First Amendment does not stand the test of law.

Under the First Amendment, speech that does harm (such as inciting a panicked exodus of patrons in a crowded theater by yelling "fire") is not protected. What can be more harmful than speech that incites people to torture and kill other people?

According to the Falun Gong Human Rights Working Group, since July 20, 1999, more than 2,700 Falun Gong followers have been tortured to death in mainland China. Many more have been severely beaten. Countless families have been broken up as followers are forced to flee the persecution.

Rather than making excuses for his actions, Mr. Zhizhen should stop promoting the persecution of millions of Falun Gong followers.

Robert Exner

Westport

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