The city government of Miami Beach is under fire from civil rights groups after police visited the home of a woman about posts she made on social media critical of the mayor.

In a video posted online last week, two detectives with the Miami Beach Police Department were filmed questioning Raquel Pacheco, a former candidate for statewide office and longtime resident of the seaside resort city, over a post she made criticizing what she said was Mayor Steven Meiner’s hypocrisy around Israel and Palestine.

“This Facebook post was protected speech, and it’s not a close question — not remotely,” said Daniel Tilley, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. “In context, the actions and statements by government officials here are likely to have a chilling effect on those who would otherwise voice their critique of the government.”

Pacheco, a frequent critic of the Miami Beach mayor, said she didn’t think much of a Facebook comment she wrote on January 7, in which she pointed out the mayor’s hypocrisy over calling the city a safe haven for all.

“The guy who consistently calls for the death of all Palestinians, tried to shut down a theater for showing a movie that hurt his feelings, and REFUSES to stand up for the LGBTQ community in any way (even leaves the room when they vote on related matters) wants you to know that you’re all welcome here,” she wrote, following up with three clown emojis.

Pacheco’s comment came in response to a post by Meiner........

© The Intercept