Judge Scott McAfee ruled on Thursday against an argument from former President Donald Trump and 14 of his co-defendants to dismiss the 2020 election-related charges they face in Georgia on free speech grounds.
Trump had argued that the prosecution from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was a violation of First Amendment protections of political speech, freedom of association, and the right to petition. McAfee, who is overseeing the case, ruled against Trump arguing that Willis has a right to prosecute.
“After considering the extensive briefing, the argument of counsel, and the indictment, the Court finds these vital constitutional protections do not reach the actions and statements alleged by the State,” McAfee wrote.
“In other words, the law does not insulate speech allegedly made during fraudulent or criminal conduct from prosecution under the guise of…
