Freedom of Speech vs. Threats of Violence

Jesse Curtis Morton, a 33-year-old Muslim convert from Brooklyn, was sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison for posting threats online to the creators of the animated show, South Park, and other people he saw as enemies of the Islam religion.

As founder of the Muslim Revolution website, Morton desired to have a forum-style website that promoted ongoing discussions regarding the Islam religion and religious followers.

Morton believed that he was exercising his First Amendment right of freedom of speech on the website, but did admit he took it too far when he posted an Al Qaeda magazine, which had an article entitled "How to Make a Bomb in the Kitchen of Your Mom."  The magazine also specifically called for the murder of a cartoonist from Seattle who started "Everybody Draw Muhammad Day".

The creator of the website, Morton, as well as another person who used the website, Zachary Chesser, delivered threats on the website against creators of popular animated series South Park, because in one episode of the show, the cartoon insulted the prophet Muhammad by placing him in a bear costume.

South Park Episode which depicted Muhammad in a bear suit

These acts were clearly promoting violent acts against so-called "enemies" of Muslims -- Although, the potential victims in these cases were simply using their First Amendment rights (i.e., promoting a day for everyone to draw a religions figure, coming up with a cartoon making fun of a particular religion.)

Although Morton offered an apology, stating that his website was "contributing to a clash of civilizations" with the violent ideology presented, the prosecuting attorney, Gordon Kromberg, believes that even if his apology is sincere, it cannot take back the thoughts put into the heads of potential terrorists to America.

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the Freedom of Speech.

Defense attorney, James Hudley, argued that Morton did try to use his website strictly for free speech, but admitted that he did cross the line to violent threats at times -- he sought a prison term of less than five years for his client.

United States District Judge, Liam O'Grady, said in a statement that he believed Morton was a bright man who could have used his intellect for good, but decided to take a turn for the worse instead when his freedom of speech turned into promoting violence to some of the most dangerous revolutionaries within the past few years.