Imperial Klans of America
The Imperial Klans of America is a Ku Klux Klan organization.
SPLC lawsuit
In 2006, two members were convicted and sentenced to two years prison for beating an individual of Native American and Panamanian descent at a Kentucky county fair, where they were recruiting. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) filed a civil suit on Gruver's behalf against the two members and the organization's leader, Ron Edwards. In 2008, Gruver was awarded $1.5 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages. Edwards war ordered to pay all of the punitive damages and 20% of the compensatory damages.
The SPLC alleged regarding Edwards, that Edwards' group had incited violence against minorities through actions such as racist speeches, hosting the "Nordic Fest" (an annual music festival), and by playing "hate metal". Edwards, who represented himself during the trial, denied the charge and said his group's not generally violent.[1][2] The SPLC even admits that the organization's website clearly stated that the group does not condone violence, and stated that "ANY MEMBER COMMITTING ANY ILLEGAL ACT DOES SO ON THEIR OWN," but despite this alleges lack of proper rules of conducts for recruiters.[3]
References
- ↑ SPLC Wins $2.5 Mill. Verdict Against Imperial Klans of America http://keyconversationsradio.com/splc-wins-2-5-mill-verdict-against-imperial-klans-of-america/
- ↑ Klan group ordered to pay $2.5 million http://www.nbcnews.com/id/27728315/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/t/klan-group-ordered-pay-million/
- ↑ Imperial Klans of America https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/imperial-klans-america
