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Was It Free Speech or Trash?
posted 11:39 pm Thu March 20, 2008 - Charlotte Co., VA
reporter: Courtney Robinson
posted by: Webteam
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They say it's free speech, but prosecutors say it's trash. Now, a Charlotte County judge will decide. Martin Mawyer, the head of the Christian Action Network, is charged with littering.
Deputies say in 2006, Mawyer dumped dozens of flyers from an airplane over Red House. Mawyer's group has been fighting the county to change the name of a road there. They say Sheikh Gilani Lane is named after a terrorist. The road marks the entrance to the Muslims of America compound.
Mawyer's attorney says political flyers are protected by the first amendment. Muslims of America residents say it's not political, it's lies.
David Hawkins, Mawyer's Attorney - "The government can't tell us how we've got to do it, the government can't regulate it. We have the right and you have the right, the government can't tell you what to say and how to say it either."
Sherman Sharp, Muslims of America - "I don't think it's free speech, I think it's hate. I think they just want to spew hate. You know, it's one thing if you're going to speak, speak the truth."
The judge says he wants a closer look at the issue. Mawyer is set to be back in court in late April.
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