"A so-called Internet psychic who was acquitted of sex abuse charges in Washington County Circuit Court last May is suing a French Web site for defamation in Portland's U.S. District Court.

"Eric J. Pepin, 40, the founder of the online company Higher Balance Institute, is suing Laura Knight-Jadczyk, who publishes the blog "Signs of the Times." [...]

"HBI markets metaphysical products and claims to sell "the world's most advanced sixth sense meditation" program and a dietary supplement, "Magneurol6-S," that is guaranteed to make the consumer an "instant telepath". [...]

"SOTT.net describes itself as an international, user-driven alternative news site with volunteer editorial staffing around the globe."

The lawsuit raises issues of freedom of speech on the Internet.