Chinese TV Director Sued by Falun Gong Claims Free Speech Protection in the U.S

Falun Gong adherents have sued a Chinese television producer under American law, claiming that programs on his station had “incited violence” against members of the group. Zhao Zhizhen, the defendant, has counter-sued, claiming free speech protections.

According to the New York Times: “The central question in the suit, Mr. Rosen said, is whether an American court should entertain an objection to Chinese journalism. ‘The plaintiffs are attempting to use a U.S. law to punish him for his speech,’ Mr. Rosen said. “Terri E. Marsh, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs in the Connecticut suit, disagreed. ‘It’s not a free speech case,’ she said. ‘It’s a torture case.’”

More background on Falun Gong’s lawsuit is available here, on their website.