Alabama AG probes Southern Poverty Law Center over fundraising and informants
Alabama’s attorney general has launched a civil investigation into the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The probe focuses on the organisation’s fundraising and its use of informants inside extremist groups. The move follows a federal indictment alleging fraud in the SPLC’s informant programme.
On Monday, Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a subpoena to the SPLC. The document demands details about donations and payments made to informants. The investigation will examine whether the group violated state laws on charitable organisations or deceptive trade practices.
The SPLC has denied wrongdoing. In a statement, it called the fraud accusation 'provably wrong' and defended its informant programme. The organisation claimed the initiative helped prevent attacks and dismantle hate groups. The probe comes after the U.S. Department of Justice accused the SPLC of 'manufacturing racism to justify its existence'. The group has frequently clashed with conservative organisations, the Trump administration, and Marshall’s office. It has also been a vocal critic of policies under former President Donald Trump. The SPLC confirmed receiving the subpoena and is reviewing its contents.
The investigation will determine if the SPLC broke Alabama’s charitable or trade laws. The outcome could impact how the organisation operates and funds its work. For now, the group maintains its programmes are lawful and necessary for combating extremism.
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