Justice Department Removes January 6 News Releases From Website
The Department of Justice has removed news releases about criminal cases tied to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, describing the material as partisan propaganda. Officials also announced a compensation fund and moved to dismiss certain convictions.
The GuardianThe Department of Justice has removed news releases about criminal cases tied to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot from its website. Officials described the removed material as partisan propaganda. The action follows earlier steps by the department to address past prosecutions.
A journalist noted the removals on Friday.
The department responded that the changes were not made quietly. The department stated it is reversing what it called weaponization under the prior administration. It said the effort includes stripping the website of partisan propaganda.
Monday the department announced a $1.776 billion fund to compensate individuals it said were unjustly investigated or prosecuted. The acting attorney general has not ruled out eligibility for those convicted of violence. The announcement drew bipartisan criticism in Congress.
The department asked a federal appeals court last month to vacate seditious conspiracy convictions against members of two groups. The court granted the request on Thursday. On Friday the department moved to dismiss the cases against those group members.
>"We are proud to reverse the DOJ's weaponization under the Biden administration. One release involved a Texas man who pleaded guilty to assault and faced separate state charges. The department said the information about the prosecutions constituted partisan propaganda.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- Friday
Journalist observed removal of January 6 news releases on DOJ website.
3 sourcesThe Guardian · ABC · @politico - Friday
Department responded that changes were not quiet and called material partisan propaganda.
3 sourcesThe Guardian · ABC · @politico - Last month
Department asked federal appeals court to vacate seditious conspiracy convictions.
3 sourcesThe Guardian · ABC · @politico - Thursday
Federal appeals court granted request to vacate seditious conspiracy convictions.
3 sourcesThe Guardian · ABC · @politico - Friday
Department moved to dismiss cases against group members.
3 sourcesThe Guardian · ABC · @politico - Monday
Department announced $1.776 billion compensation fund.
3 sourcesThe Guardian · ABC · @politico
Potential Impact
- 01
Public access to certain January 6 case records on the DOJ website has ended.
- 02
Bipartisan members of Congress expressed anger over potential payouts to those convicted of violence.
- 03
Some individuals previously convicted may receive compensation from the new fund.
Transparency Panel
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