News Wrap: DOJ announces criminal charges against Southern Poverty Law Center

PBS NewsHour
April 21, 2026
2 min read

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The Justice Department announced criminal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center for using paid informants.

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The Justice Department announced criminal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) on Tuesday. These charges stem from the SPLC's use of paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups. This action marks a significant legal challenge against a prominent civil rights organization widely known for tracking hate groups and advocating for social justice. The charges could impact how non-profit organizations conduct investigations into extremist activities.

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The Justice Department announced criminal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center.

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