Citizen Journalist

Backlash Grows Against Texas Rep. Villalba’s Bill Criminalizing Bloggers Filming Cops

AUSTIN, Texas — State Representative Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) is pushing back against critics of a bill he filed that would make it a crime for bloggers and independent journalists to film or photograph police officers. After the bill, HB 2918, was filed, it was the target of criticism from both the right and the left. Villalba has conceded he will make some amendments, but has continued to aggressively defend the bill. This week, the bill was referred to a committee and set for public hearing on March 26.

Jason Villalba - YouTube

Texas Rep. Villalba Files Bill That Criminalizes Bloggers, Citizens Filming Cops

Texas State Representative Jason Villalba (R-Texas) has found himself at the center of controversy after filing a bill that would make it a crime for bloggers and independent journalists — as well as regular citizens — to film police officers. Despite the backlash from free speech advocates, Villalba is insisting that his bill “does not infringe on constitutional rights” or “limit liberty in any way.”

Texas State Rep. Jason Villalba

John Kerry Admits Russia Lied About Troops in Ukraine: ‘Propaganda Works’

Asked while providing congressional testimony whether Russia had lied to the public and the United States regarding whether its troops were present in Eastern Ukraine, Secretary of State John Kerry answered for the first time in the affirmative, implying that he had previously believed Moscow even though journalists provided evidence of Russians on the ground in almost every month of 2014.

REUTERS/YURI GRIPAS