Changes to SPLC Website Allegedly Linked to Hate Group Support
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reportedly modified its website to mitigate criticism of a hate group it aimed to assist, while covertly funding racist movements, according to indictments made public by prosecutors on Tuesday.
An informant, allegedly paid by the SPLC, asked the nonprofit to “soften” the language regarding him on his “Extremist File” webpage, suggesting it might deter potential new members from joining his extremist organization. The Department of Justice (DOJ) stated this in a new indictment that builds on prior criminal charges against the SPLC. The accusations revolve around the group’s claimed conspiracy to support racist extremists while collecting substantial donations ostensibly to oppose them.
The SPLC did not respond to the request for comments regarding this situation. This Alabama-based charity has maintained it did nothing wrong and filed a motion to dismiss the case, labeling it a “vindictive prosecution” on May 26.
According to the DOJ, the SPLC secretly disbursed over $70,000 in donor funds to an unnamed white nationalist leader from 2010 to 2016. This funding began after he unexpectedly reached out, claiming he wished to exit white nationalist activism. Details suggest he held prominent positions in the National Socialist Party of America and the Aryan Nations, and was affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan.
The informant reportedly utilized SPLC donor money for various activities, including traveling to rallies, organizing extremist events, making donations to leaders of similar organizations, recruiting new members, and publishing racist material to attract both in- and out-of-prison recruits. In addition, he allegedly created extremist merchandise for sale at rallies to financially bolster his organization.
The SPLC faces charges including wire fraud, making false statements to a federally insured bank, and conspiracy related to money laundering through its informant program. If found guilty, the organization might have to forfeit assets tied to the alleged offenses.
