Jonathan De Barros, a Republican candidate for Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District, has filed a defamation lawsuit against four individuals who referred to him as a ‘murderer’ on social media and at a GOP nominating convention.

Background

De Barros was convicted of murder, attempted murder, and assault with a firearm in 1996, but his conviction was later overturned, and he was granted an absolute pardon in 2022. He claims the defendants’ statements were false and damaging to his reputation.

According to De Barros, the defendants’ conduct was ‘extreme and outrageous’ and intended to interfere with the federal election. He is seeking damages and a gag order to silence them.

Counterclaim

One of the defendants, Jeff Weiss, has filed a counterclaim, accusing De Barros of misusing the court to intimidate critics who engaged in protected political speech. Weiss claims that any reference to De Barros as a ‘murderer’ meets the legal test of ‘substantial truth’ due to De Barros’ past conviction and the fact that he shot and killed one person and wounded another.

De Barros’ campaign bio describes him as a victim, first outside the North End Recreation Center in 1996 and then in court, where he was wrongfully charged and convicted. However, the bio has been criticized for inaccuracies, including the claim that Democratic Governor Ned Lamont granted him a pardon, when in fact, the power to pardon in Connecticut rests with the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.