Blogger: Threats were exercise of free speech

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A jury has begun deliberations in the case of a New Jersey blogger accused of inciting violence against Connecticut lawmakers.

During Friday’s closing arguments, 49-year-old Harold “Hal” Turner told the jurors that he’s being prosecuted for exercising his free speech right. He says he never intended for anyone to get hurt.

Turner, of North Bergen, N.J., wrote a blog posting in 2009 in response to state legislation that would have given Roman Catholic lay people more control over parish finances. Turner said the bill violated the separation of church and state. He suggested that Catholics “take up arms” and said he would post officials’ home addresses.

Prosecutor Thomas Garcia says Turner’s targets were truly concerned about their safety.

Turner is serving a nearly three-year prison sentence for threatening federal judges in Illinois.