Stephen A. Smith defends Don Lemon after arrest

Stephen A. Smith criticized the arrest of journalist Don Lemon and framed it as a threat to press freedom. Lemon was released without bail after being federally indicted over a January church protest and his lawyers say he will plead not guilty.

Stephen A. Smith strongly criticized the arrest of journalist Don Lemon and described it as an attack on the First Amendment. Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles on federal charges connected to a January protest at a church in Minneapolis. Prosecutors say he knowingly joined a group that entered the church and a Minnesota grand jury has indicted him on conspiracy and interfering with worshippers' First Amendment rights. He was released without having to post bail and was granted permission to travel to France in June. Key facts: - Stephen A. Smith publicly defended Don Lemon and said the arrest undermines freedom of the press. - A Minnesota grand jury indicted Lemon on federal charges of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers related to the January 18 protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul. - Lemon was released without bail, plans to plead not guilty according to his defense, and the legal case is pending in Minnesota. Summary: The arrests have drawn criticism from media advocates and civil rights figures and prompted public debate about press freedom. Legal proceedings are pending in Minnesota and Lemon's lawyers say he will plead not guilty and contest the charges. Undetermined at this time.