Supporters of the Olympia Food Co-op outside Thurston County Superior Court.
On February 27th a Washington State judge dismissed the case against current and former board members of the Olympia Food Co-op for their decision to boycott Israeli goods, calling the lawsuit a SLAPP – Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation. To a full courtroom of Co-op supporters he said that he would award the defendants attorneys’ fees, costs, and sanctions.
“We are pleased the Court found this case to be what it is – an attempt to chill free speech on a matter of public concern. This sends a message to those trying to silence support of Palestinian human rights to think twice before they bring a lawsuit,” said Maria LaHood, a senior staff attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights.