Craigslist goes gunning for prosecutors

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 21 May 2009 at 09:37

Craigslist has sued the attorney general of South Carolina, after he alleged that the site was involved in criminal activities.

The personal listings site says it is taking the action in response to Henry McMaster's claim that he would press ahead with a criminal investigation, despite Craigslist's decision to drop the "erotic services" section that first earned his ire.

The site's chief executive, Jim Buckmaster [pictured], has previously claimed that Craigslist is been "unfairly targeted" by McMaster. He says the lawsuit is intended to head off any escalation of legal proceedings.

"In addition to being unwarranted by the facts, legal experts agree that the charges threatened represent an unconstitutional prior restraint on free speech, and are clearly barred by federal law," writes Buckmaster on the company blog.

"Mr McMaster's repeated threats of criminal prosecution should we refuse to shut down Craigslist for South Carolina have left us little choice but to seek declaratory relief before the court."

In a statement issued by McMaster's office, the attorney general claimed the lawsuit was proof that his campaign to "clean up" the site was having an effect.

"Overnight they have removed the erotic services section from their website, as we asked them to do. And they are now taking responsibility for the content of their future advertisements. If they keep their word, this is a victory for law enforcement and for the people of South Carolina," the statement reads.

"Unfortunately, we had to inform them of possible state criminal violations concerning their past practices to produce a serious response. We trust they will now adhere to the higher standards they have promised. This office and the law enforcement agencies of South Carolina will continue to monitor the site to make certain that our laws are respected."

The war of words between the two parties erupted after the murder of 25-year-old masseuse Julissa Brisman, who advertised on Craigslist in Boston. The site was subsequently described as a "blatant brothel".