Judge Orders Newspaper to Remove Critical Editorial

A Mississippi judge has ordered the Clarksdale Press Register to remove an editorial, sparking First Amendment concerns. The editorial criticized city officials for lack of transparency regarding a city council meeting about a proposed tax. Chancery Judge Crystal Wise Martin issued the restraining order without a hearing. Wyatt Emmerich, president of Emmerich Newspapers, plans to challenge the order.

Mayor Chuck Espy argued the editorial implied legal wrongdoing by the city. A hearing is scheduled for February 27. Press advocates criticized the order, with Layne Bruce of the Mississippi Press Association saying: "This is a rather astounding order and we feel it is egregious and chilling," and Lisa Zycherman of Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press stating: "The order constitutes censorship and is unquestionably a serious First Amendment violation." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)