Edgar County Watchdogs, Inc. | Edgar County Watchdogs site
Edgar County Watchdogs, Inc. | Edgar County Watchdogs site
A Mississippi judge recently issued a restraining order requiring the Clarksdale Press Register to remove an editorial from its online platforms. This action follows a defamation lawsuit filed by the city of Clarksdale against the newspaper.
The editorial in question criticized the Mayor and council members for holding a meeting about taxing marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco products without notifying the media beforehand. The city argued that the editorial "chilled and hindered" their efforts to lobby the state for these taxes.
The judge concluded that the public officials suffered defamation with actual malice, which could impede their legitimate legislative advocacy.
A hearing for a preliminary injunction is set for February 27, 2025.
FIRE has released a statement regarding this restraining order. The Restraining Order is available on X. The Editorial can be accessed through the "WayBackMachine".
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