By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com
In a ruling that raises some questions about strength of the government’s case, a federal judge in Detroit on Monday ordered that nine members of Michigan based-Christian militia called the Hutaree be freed on bond. The members were accused of plotting to kill cops.
“The United States is correct that it need not wait until the people are killed before it arrests conspirators,” U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts said in a 36-page written order. “But defendants are also correct: their right to engage in hate-filled, venomous speech, is a right that deserves First Amendment protection.
“The Court’s own Pretrial Services Agency, which makes bond recommendations, concluded that but for the seriousness of the offenses charged, the defendants are all people it would normally recommend for release on bond.”
The men must remain under court supervision while free and follow a number of guidelines.
The release seemed particularly surprising in wake of the allegations that the militia planned to kill law enforcement officers and ignite a revolt against the government, and raised some questions as to where one steps over the line when engaged in hateful and scary talk.
The defendants face charges of seditious conspiracy, attempting to use weapons of mass destruction and possession of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
Susan Plochinski, a U.S. Attorney spokeswoman, responding to the ruling, told the Detroit Free Press: “We will be reviewing and weighing all of our options.”
