Turner To Seek Lift Of Partial Gag Order

The attorney for indicted Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner says he will ask a federal judge to reconsider an order that prevents Turner from publicly disclosing the government's evidence in his bribery case.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Hillman issued the order at the request of prosecutors who said Turner might use the information as part of his media campaign to disrupt their corruption investigation of Turner and former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson.

During a court hearing Friday, Turner's lawyer, Barry Wilson, said he will file a motion within a week asking for the order to be lifted. Wilson said the ruling amounts to a "gag order" that violates Turner's First Amendment right to free speech.

Turner is accused of accepting a $1,000 bribe from a local businessman. He has denied the charges.