JUSTICE: Judge dismisses criminal charges against Arizona mother arrested for criticizing prosecutor’s pay

• The mayor of Surprise, Arizona, had Rebekah Massie arrested in front of her 10-year-old daughter for questioning a city attorney’s pay at a council meeting.
• A judge on Wednesday called the government’s suppression of her free speech “objectively outrageous.”

SURPRISE, Arizona, October 24, 2024 – A judge thrown out the criminal charges hanging over the head of an Arizona mother who was arrested for criticism A city attorney’s pay raise at a city council meeting. The judge called the government’s suppression of Rebekah Massie’s speech “objectively outrageous” and dismissed her trespassing charge.

“For more than two months, I have lived with the threat of punishment and prison time – even the kidnapping of my children – for doing nothing other than criticizing the government,” Rebekah said. “Free speech still matters in America, and I can’t tell you how relieved it is to have people on my side standing with me for our rights.”

Bret Royle, attorney at Feldman Roylerepresented Rebekah in the criminal proceedings. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression represents Rebekah Federal lawsuitfiled September 3rd. The lawsuit challenges the city of Surprise, Arizona’s rule that prohibits people from criticizing government officials at city council meetings. After FIRE sued, the city abandoned the rule.

“Rebekah should never have been imprisoned, let alone prosecuted, for expressing her opinion,” Royle said. “This kind of thing happens in tyrannical countries but should never happen here. No American should face prison time for exercising their freedom of speech, and we are relieved the court agreed.”

COURTESY OF REBEKAH MASSIE

FIRE suitThe ongoing lawsuit seeks to hold the city accountable for violating Rebekah’s constitutional rights and seek damages.

“This is an incredible victory for Rebekah and an important message to government bureaucrats across the country that the First Amendment bows to no one,” said FIRE attorney Conor Fitzpatrick. “The fight continues in Rebekah’s lawsuit against the City of Surprise, Mayor Hall and Officer Schernicoff. We want to make it clear to governments across the United States that brazen censorship of people and betrayal of the First Amendment comes at a cost.”

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and upholding the individual rights of all Americans to freedom of speech and expression—the most essential attributes of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

CONTACT:

Jack Whitten, media relations specialist, FIRE: 215-717-3473; media@thefire.org