If you thought the only offense that could jeopardize a cartoonist’s life or limb was mocking Muhammad, think again. Police and prosecutors in Renton, Washington, have thrown the book at a cartoonist who created a series of online videos that mock the police department.
One prosecutor wants to see the cartoonist jailed for his temerity. But first the authorities need to uncover the responsible party’s true identity, since the only name they have for him now is Mr. Fiddlesticks, his online persona.
With an eye toward accomplishing that end, prosecutors in King County Superior Court have filed a request for a search warrant. In their petition, they allege that the person presenting himself as Mr. Fiddlesticks is guilty of the cyberstalking (RCW 9.61.260). Cyberstalking is using the Internet or other electronic means to stalk or harass an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization.
An investigative reporter with KIRO7, a local news station, maintains that he spoke with three nationally respected legal experts who believe the cartoonist’s self-expression is protected by the First Amendment and the cyberstalking theory fails to hold water.
According to the station, the animations parody undue staff promotions and officers having sex while on duty.
by Howard Portnoy
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