The left-leaning group MoveOn(dot)org has launched a petition challenging state and federal actions taken against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
In April, the DOJ announced charges against the SPLC, alleging 11 counts of wire fraud, false statements to a federally insured bank, and money laundering.
This month, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued an investigatory subpoena to the SPLC after opening a civil investigation alleging deceptive fundraising practices under the state's consumer protection statutes.
MoveOn(dot)org Civic Action, the non-profit side of the political arm, MoveOn(dot)org Political Action, which funds progressive candidates like U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), recently announced a petition accusing the DOJ of political persecution.
"Civil rights groups like the SPLC are at the forefront of ensuring that everyone in our country can live, love, vote, and exist free from discrimination," the petition states. "The people involved in these organizations train poll workers, run mutual aid networks, call out discrimination, and defend our right to protest. The Trump administration is trying to silence and erase voices doing this critical work because they are a threat to their authoritarian agenda."
Thus far, the petition is 1,000 signatures shy of its 20,000-signature goal.
"In America, presidents and their allies should not use their power to go after people they disagree with," said Joel Payne, Chief Communications Officer at MoveOn Civic Action. "MoveOn members stand firmly against using the power of government to seek political revenge and stand with organizations like SPLC that are being politically targeted by this administration. The SPLC's work fighting hate and injustice has been invaluable in protecting and strengthening the civil rights of millions."
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