A state judge in Arizona this week tossed a criminal case against a woman who was arrested at a city council meeting for criticizing the pay raise and professional competence of a city attorney.
Justice of the Peace Gerald Williams on Wednesday had dismissed the trespassing charge filed against Rebekah Massie two months ago as unconstitutional , saying it was “objectively outrageous” for the government to attempt to control the content of her political speech.
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“For more than two months I’ve been living with the threat of punishment and jail time — being taken away from my kids, even — for doing nothing more than criticizing the government,” Massie said in a statement following the ruling. “Free speech still matters in America, and I can’t tell you what a relief it is to have people on my side standing up for our rights with me.”
Against the request of prosecutors, the charge was dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning the case against Massie cannot be refiled at a later date.