In recent months, Chavez has forcefully adopted a new tactic to silence the opposition and is using the anti-defamation law and the judicial courts to go after anyone that he deems a potential problem.

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Given how easily content can be forced off the internet with claims of defamation, the law creates a significant restriction on free speech.

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They had found a way to tack votes on a new press regulator onto other government bills setting up, for example, a National Crime Agency or a new law on defamation.

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Jeffrey Monsour, a 14-year employee of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, seeks unspecified damages, claiming violations of his rights to free speech and equal protection under the law, breach of contract and defamation.

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This means that Zelenin can be facing defamation charges from the Kremlin with a well expected outcome of the law suit.

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The charge is equivalent to a hate crime under Oklahoma law, according to Partners Against Hate, a joint project of the Anti-Defamation League, the Leadership Conference Education Fund and the Center for Preventing Hate nonprofit groups.

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