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[
{
"title": "Student newspaper subpoenaed for documents and reporting materials as part of $100 million dispute",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/student-newspaper-subpoenaed-documents-and-reporting-materials-part-100-million-dispute/",
"first_published_at": "2019-06-11T17:17:39.665354Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-05-06T14:09:55.237717Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-05-06T14:09:55.033204Z",
"date": "2019-05-17",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Chicago",
"longitude": -87.65005,
"latitude": 41.85003,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"w6gw1\">The Chicago Maroon, the University of Chicago’s student newspaper, was served a subpoena on May 17, 2019, in connection with a lawsuit between The Thomas L. Pearson and The Pearson Family Members Foundation and the university.</p><p data-block-key=\"dt18t\">On March 5, 2018, The Maroon <a href=\"https://www.chicagomaroon.com/article/2018/3/5/pearsons-want-100-million-back-from-univeristy-of-chicago/\">published an article</a> written by then-editor Euirim Choi on the unravelling of relations between the university and the foundation over the course of a year. The foundation and university had filed a lawsuit and countersuit, respectively, contesting a $100 million donation pledged by the foundation.</p><p data-block-key=\"y9kur\">The article was based on documents included in a 66-page stack found in a subway trash can in northern Chicago and brought to the newspaper’s office in the summer of 2017, The Maroon <a href=\"https://www.chicagomaroon.com/article/2017/8/13/recovered-internal-documents-offer-glimpse-inside/\">reported</a>. While The Maroon published a summary of some of the documents that August, it did not include documents connected to the Pearsons or the Institute they were funding.</p><p data-block-key=\"wgx66\">“The Maroon decided not to publish or mention the Pearson Institute documents, which were marked ‘privileged and confidential attorney-client communication,’ in order to avoid escalating a still-nascent dispute,” Choi <a href=\"https://www.chicagomaroon.com/article/2018/3/5/pearsons-want-100-million-back-from-univeristy-of-chicago/\">wrote in his report</a> the following March. But, as the lawsuit was moving forward, the paper decided to publish the documents to provide context on the dispute.</p><p data-block-key=\"4iwqa\">Some handwritten notes were redacted from the documents shared with the piece, Choi wrote, in order to obscure the identity of the source. Even though the newspaper was unaware of the original owner’s identity, they did not know whether the documents had been intentionally leaked.</p><p data-block-key=\"9a2m7\">The foundation filed a subpoena against The Maroon on May 17 asking not only for the unredacted document, but “all other documents and communications related thereto or obtained in connection therewith, including without limitation the ‘66 pages of internal university documents’ referenced” in Choi’s article.</p><p data-block-key=\"kg52j\">When the foundation discovered that only Choi, and not the student newspaper, has access to the documents, <a href=\"/all-incidents/student-journalist-subpoenaed-documents-and-reporting-materials-part-dispute-between-university-foundation/\">it filed a subpoena against him on May 22</a>. Choi said the foundation’s subpoena against The Maroon has been left active, however, to satisfy that the foundation is using all avenues of discovery.</p><p data-block-key=\"ryfxn\">As is the case with Choi, some First Amendment scholars are concerned that Illinois’s shield law may not be applicable to The Maroon as it is a student newspaper.</p><p data-block-key=\"2hwsp\">The statute <a href=\"https://www.rcfp.org/privilege-compendium/illinois/#a-shield-law-statute\">defines a news medium</a> in part as, “any newspaper or other periodical issued at regular intervals whether in print or electronic format and having a general circulation.” The Maroon appears to meet this definition.</p><p data-block-key=\"gycg6\">Choi told the Tracker that the current editors at The Maroon informed the Pearson Foundation that they cannot provide the requested documents because they are no longer in possession of any copies. The University of Chicago <a href=\"https://www.wbez.org/shows/wbez-news/family-suing-uchicago-over-100-million-donation-subpoenas-student-journalists/08d706a5-9249-49ae-9838-2508ffb7ef6b/amp?__twitter_impression=true\">told WBEZ News</a> in a statement that it has reached out to staff at The Maroon to help find capable legal counsel and that they recognize the editorial independence of the paper and its staff.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX1WJNT.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"qgoys\">The independent student newspaper of the University of Chicago, The Chicago Maroon, has been subpoenaed by a private foundation for documents used in reporting.</p>",
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"subpoena_type": "journalist communications or work product",
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"legal_order_venue": "Federal",
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"state": {
"name": "Illinois",
"abbreviation": "IL"
},
"updates": [
"(2024-04-23 00:00:00+00:00) Foundation drops subpoena of Chicago student newspaper"
],
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"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [
"The [University of] Chicago Maroon"
],
"tags": [
"student journalism"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Subpoena/Legal Order"
],
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"subpoena_statuses": [
"pending"
],
"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "Hawaii reporter denied access to cover Army meeting",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/hawaii-reporter-denied-access-cover-army-meeting/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-23T17:56:08.310173Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-02-29T18:55:34.527257Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-02-29T18:55:34.438651Z",
"date": "2019-05-16",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Hilo",
"longitude": -155.09073,
"latitude": 19.72991,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"hyodu\">West Hawaii Today county and government reporter Nancy Cook Lauer was barred from attending a U.S. Army meeting that the newspaper contends was opened to the general public in Hilo, Hawaii, on May 16, 2019.</p><p data-block-key=\"dfjud\">Lauer was attempting to cover a meeting that outlined the Army’s resource management plants at Pohakuloa Training Area and the Kawaihae Military Reservation outside an Aupuni Center meeting room.</p><p data-block-key=\"c1vvp\">Lauer <a href=\"https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2019/05/18/hawaii-news/army-boots-wht-from-public-meeting/\">wrote in a West Hawaii Today article</a> that she was told “the participating parties might not feel comfortable expressing their opinions in the presence of the media,” and that the meeting was not a media event, despite the public being allowed to attend. She told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that she pushed back, and asked for a citation of the legal authority that would allow the public to attend a meeting, but not the press.</p><p data-block-key=\"2qovj\">“[The event] was originally set for those who had signed up as consulting parties to the process, but then members of the public insisted they be allowed in and I went in as well,” Lauer told the Tracker.</p><p data-block-key=\"6bc43\">Pohakuloa Training Area Public Affairs Officer Mike Donnelly said that the event was not open to the public, and that some consulting parties and signatories to a training programmatic agreement that were present did not want the meeting recorded. However, he said that “to avoid conflict and to show good faith,” the meeting was opened to non-consulting attendees to fill open seats.</p><p data-block-key=\"mjso6\">“Notably, only one journalist showed for the meeting in Hilo,” wrote Donnelly. “As a result, we did state that it was not open to the public, however, as a concession and out of respect for the journalist and 20+ years of working with media, I requested the reporter and our subject matter expert to move into a separate room where they could talk and have a Q & A session so the reporter gathered content and context for her story.”</p><p data-block-key=\"apgja\">Lauer said that any time she spent with an official focused on gaining access to the meeting rather than on gathering information for reporting.</p><p data-block-key=\"7lmm5\">“If it were an interview for a story, I would have asked them about the details of the project, not about the meeting,” she said.</p><p data-block-key=\"05avz\">Lauer said that she left after being told by both Donnelly and a cultural resource manager for U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa that she could not remain.</p><p data-block-key=\"s9jin\"><a href=\"https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2019/05/18/hawaii-news/army-boots-wht-from-public-meeting/\">West Hawaii Today reported that</a> an activist who attended the meeting said that attendance was initially to be limited to a list of consulting parties, but was later opened to the public altogether — before Lauer was told to leave.</p><p data-block-key=\"13ev9\">Lauer told the Tracker that on the Monday following the incident the Army commander called her to apologize and claimed he was not aware that his staff had taken the action to ban her from the event. She said that the commander was present at the meeting, near the front of the room.</p><p data-block-key=\"eaqqu\">“In retrospect, the PTA Team could have certainly done things differently, however, we were following the established process and respecting those who are consulting parties and signatories,” wrote Donnelly, the public affairs officer. “We will continue to engage the media in an open and transparent manner.”</p><p data-block-key=\"dfinm\">Although Lauer was not able to attend the meeting, she said she was later given video footage by one of the attendees, which she said could aid future reporting.</p><p data-block-key=\"1tu16\">On May 19, <a href=\"https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2019/05/19/opinion/our-view-military-wrong-to-boot-wht/\">West Hawaii Today published an opinion piece</a> arguing that the Army was wrong to boot its reporter from the event. It expressed concern about how extreme press freedom violations — such as those by President Trump — can seep into the conscious of everyday people.</p><p data-block-key=\"cu0ef\">“Some of it, like booting the media from a public gathering, we cannot write off as simply silly,” the piece reads. “Kicking a reporter out of a public meeting is a serious issue. It cannot become the norm. The United States military is a first-rate operation. If it says it wanted to err on the side of privacy and caution, we can take that at face value this time around, but still disagree with its decision. The information inside that meeting is meant for the public and WHT will get it and share it, regardless.”</p><p data-block-key=\"1s6kj\">Lauer said this was the first time she had been denied access to an event open to the public.</p><p data-block-key=\"uc758\">“As a reporter with more than 25 years of experience, I am accustomed to various barriers being thrown up as I go about my job informing the public,” she told the Tracker. “This is the first time, however, I have been ousted from a meeting otherwise open to the public. It's sad that I, who have worked diligently to portray all sides and prevent bias in my coverage, now have to rely on a video from a source with a known point of view in order to write about government actions that our readers deserve to know about. The media is not the enemy.”</p></div>",
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"state": {
"name": "Hawaii",
"abbreviation": "HI"
},
"updates": [],
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"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [
"military"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [
"Law enforcement: Military"
],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Denial of Access"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Nancy Cook Lauer (West Hawaii Today)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
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"Government event"
]
},
{
"title": "Rolling Stone journalist stopped for secondary screening, has electronics searched while asked invasive questions about reporting",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/rolling-stone-journalist-stopped-secondary-screening-has-electronics-searched-while-asked-invasive-questions-about-reporting/",
"first_published_at": "2019-06-26T17:35:24.232965Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-10-02T14:43:38.986426Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-10-02T14:43:38.861863Z",
"date": "2019-05-13",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Austin",
"longitude": -97.74306,
"latitude": 30.26715,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"9cx73\">After arriving on a flight from Mexico City on May 13, 2019, Rolling Stone journalist Seth Harp was stopped for secondary screening by border authorities in Austin, Texas. Over the course of four hours, the officers aggressively questioned him about his reporting and searched his electronic devices.</p><p data-block-key=\"lcf7z\">Harp, an Austin-based reporter, told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that he has traveled extensively for work, reporting from Mexico and as a war correspondent in the Middle East.</p><p data-block-key=\"uc99p\">In an account of the incident <a href=\"https://theintercept.com/2019/06/22/cbp-border-searches-journalists/\">he published in The Intercept</a>, Harp wrote that he is usually waved through immigration after a few questions. This time, the questions were more aggressive than usual, and after Harp told the officer that he had spent a week in Mexico on a reporting trip, the officer asked what the piece was about.</p><p data-block-key=\"c5fs9\">“[That] didn’t sit right with me,” Harp wrote. “I tried to skirt the question, but he came back to it, pointedly.”</p><p data-block-key=\"kniut\">Harp recalled saying something to the effect of not having a legal obligation to disclose the content of his reporting. Shortly after, a supervisor told him that if he refused to answer the question he would not be allowed into the United States. Customs and Border Protection officials also repeatedly denied Harp’s requests to contact a lawyer, stating that he wasn’t under arrest.</p><p data-block-key=\"dxbd5\">When CBP officers returned to ask again about the content of his reporting, Harp wrote that he gave a glib, joking response.</p><p data-block-key=\"oxqc8\">“From then on out, the officers made it clear that I was in for a long delay,” he wrote.</p><p data-block-key=\"7ufnz\">Though Harp ultimately told the officers that he was finishing a piece for Rolling Stone about men gunrunning from Texas and Arizona to the Mexican cartel, the officers searched his suitcase and carefully read his journal containing personal and professional notes.</p><p data-block-key=\"yyil8\">The officers then asked Harp to unlock his electronic devices so they could be searched as well.</p><p data-block-key=\"4w40j\">“When the officers told me they only wanted to check my devices for child pornography, links to terrorism, and so forth, I believed them,” Harp wrote in his account. “I was completely unprepared for the digital ransacking that came next.”</p><p data-block-key=\"2aceu\">Harp told the Tracker that while wary of compromising his cellphone and laptop, he decided to unlock them after being denied access to a lawyer in order to prevent officers from confiscating his devices. Over the next three hours, the officers combed through his photos, videos, emails, business correspondence and internet history. They also examined his text messages, including encrypted messages on WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram.</p><p data-block-key=\"6ocap\">The officers frequently took his devices out of the room for long periods of time, and Harp told the Tracker that he suspects they may have made copies. They also wrote down his laptop’s serial number and three or four numbers and alphanumeric sequences found deep in his phone’s settings, including the phone’s IMEI number, a 15 digit identity code that can be used to track a phone’s physical location.</p><p data-block-key=\"3rcl5\">Over the subsequent hours, Harp wrote, the officers questioned him about all aspects of his work, his conversations with editors and colleagues and his political views.</p><p data-block-key=\"k5x51\">“Interestingly,” Harp wrote, “they didn’t ask me anything about CBP itself. I had told them my current story was about gunrunning, but they didn’t think to ask if I’d done any reporting on their employer, which I had. In fact, my laptop contained hardwon documents on CBP.”</p><p data-block-key=\"zz11u\">Harp told the Tracker that while he can’t be certain the officers didn’t review those documents, he didn’t see them reading the files and they didn’t ask him questions about them.</p><p data-block-key=\"zlkrd\">On three occasions during the course of his secondary screening, Harp wrote, an officer he identifies as Pomeroy “pronounced words to the effect that he was subjectively forming a reasonable belief that I might grab his service weapon.” Harp wrote that the “rhetorical move” and Pomeroy’s clapping his hand to his sidearm was an “implicit death threat.”</p><p data-block-key=\"91w46\">Four hours after he was pulled into secondary, an officer told him he was free to pack up his luggage and go.</p><p data-block-key=\"8f8k6\">Harp told the Tracker that the point of writing The Intercept article about his ordeal was to demonstrate the unchecked power that CBP has been accumulating. “CBP has gotten less reigned in and more aggressive, and with few checks on them they can do this to anybody for any reason.”</p><p data-block-key=\"7qsnb\">Harp wrote that when asked for comment on his article, CBP sent him a statement which read, in part, “CBP has adapted and adjusted our actions to align with current threat information, which is based on intelligence… As the threat landscape changes, so does CBP.”</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX6Y53I.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"m4vpx\">While returning from a reporting trip in Mexico to Austin, Texas, Rolling Stone journalist Seth Harp was aggressively questioned by Customs and Border Protection agents for multiple hours.</p>",
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"status_of_seized_equipment": "returned in full",
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"border_point": "Austin-Bergstrom International Airport",
"target_us_citizenship_status": "U.S. citizen",
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": true,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": "yes",
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{
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"equipment": "cellphone"
},
{
"quantity": 1,
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},
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "work product"
}
],
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"state": {
"name": "Texas",
"abbreviation": "TX"
},
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"United States"
],
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"tags": [],
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"categories": [
"Border Stop",
"Equipment Search or Seizure"
],
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"Seth Harp (Rolling Stone)"
],
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},
{
"title": "Military prosecutor embeds secret tracking code in email to journalist, defense attorneys",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/military-prosecutor-embeds-secret-tracking-code-email-journalist-defense-attorneys/",
"first_published_at": "2019-06-14T16:05:50.605105Z",
"last_published_at": "2025-02-03T18:47:15.110118Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2025-02-03T18:47:15.022774Z",
"date": "2019-05-12",
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"city": "San Diego",
"longitude": -117.16472,
"latitude": 32.71571,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"51f4r\">A journalist covering the court martial of a Navy SEAL platoon leader accused of war crimes received an email from the prosecutor embedded with a hidden tracking code.</p><p data-block-key=\"hsenk\">On May 12, 2019, Navy Times Editor Carl Prine received the email containing the code, which was embedded in an image of a bald eagle atop the scales of justice. The code was designed to collect IP addresses and other information from his computer and network.</p><p data-block-key=\"0aeqb\">Prine has written extensively about the case of Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, who is accused of stabbing and killing a wounded 17-year-old ISIS militant and shooting two unarmed civilians during a 2017 deployment to Iraq.</p><p data-block-key=\"vg7vk\">The prosecutor, Cmdr. Christopher Czaplak, also sent emails containing the code to 13 members of Gallagher’s defense team.</p><p data-block-key=\"sb3mu\">Gallagher’s lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the prosecutor for his actions on May 27. “This case has been hopelessly plagued by misconduct by prosecutors,” the filing stated, <a href=\"https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/05/28/motion-filed-to-dismiss-lead-prosecutor-and-judge-in-seal-war-crime-trial/\">according</a> to the Navy Times. “This misconduct has taken many forms but has culminated in the inexcusable and unethical use of an email tracking beacon to monitor the emails of opposing counsel in direct contravention of multiple states’ ethics opinions, including CDR Czaplak’s licensing state of New York.”</p><p data-block-key=\"2a7bu\">In this filing, Gallagher’s defense counsel also argued that the judge in the case, Capt. Aaron Rugh, had met with Czaplak and an NCIS agent to discuss their desire to determine from where leaks in the case were originating.</p><p data-block-key=\"bvvo4\">At a hearing on that motion, “Navy law enforcement staff detailed how they created a plan to monitor emails sent to Chief Gallagher’s lawyers, while giving the judge in the case the false impression that the Navy had permission to do so from the Justice Department. No warrant or any other sort of permission was issued,” the New York Times <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/03/us/seal-war-crime-court-martial.html\">reported</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"dsykn\">On June 3, Rugh issued an order removing Czaplak as prosecutor in the case, according to the New York Times. That order is sealed.</p><p data-block-key=\"wg8kt\">Prine declined to comment further on the case.</p><p data-block-key=\"fwerf\">Gabe Rottman, director of the Technology and Press Freedom Project at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said that this was “one of several incidents in recent weeks that raise great concerns about press freedom.”</p><p data-block-key=\"27kn7\">“It is certainly very concerning,” Rottman told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker. “There have been reports that the tool that was used here could have accessed the contents of emails.”</p><p data-block-key=\"dvm7v\">If the Justice Department were handling the case, Rottman said, approval from the attorney general would have to be procured before any such tracking code were deployed, and there would also have been a notice requirement to the reporter.</p><p data-block-key=\"5dkt6\">An NCIS spokesman, when asked about the email to Prine, <a href=\"https://www.militarytimes.com/2019/05/17/secret-tracking-device-found-in-navy-email-to-navy-times-amid-leak-investigation-raises-legal-ethical-questions/\">told</a> the Military Times, “during the course of the leak investigation, NCIS used an audit capability that ensures the integrity of protected documents. It is not malware, not a virus, and does not reside on computer systems. There is no risk that systems are corrupted or compromised.”</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"yw0f2\">The defense attorney representing a Navy SEAL platoon leader speaks with reporters in May. A prosecutor for the case was removed after embedding a tracking device in emails sent to defense team members and a journalist.</p>",
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"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [
{
"quantity": 1,
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],
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"state": {
"name": "California",
"abbreviation": "CA"
},
"updates": [],
"case_statuses": [],
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"target_nationality": [],
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"tags": [
"cyberattack",
"military"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Equipment Search or Seizure"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Carl Prine (Navy Times)"
],
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"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "San Francisco police use search warrant to raid home, office of independent journalist",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/san-francisco-police-use-search-warrant-raid-home-office-independent-journalist-source-material/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-14T16:31:23.663401Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-01-12T16:38:06.390891Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-01-12T16:38:06.212620Z",
"date": "2019-05-10",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "San Francisco",
"longitude": -122.41942,
"latitude": 37.77493,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"tg2b5\">On May 10, 2019, San Francisco police officers raided the home and office of freelance journalist Bryan Carmody as part of an investigation into one of Carmody’s confidential sources.</p><p data-block-key=\"qjkdu\">Carmody <a href=\"https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-sf-reporter-police-raid-adachi-20190511-story.html\">told the Los Angeles Times</a> that he awoke to 10 or so officers from the San Francisco Police Department banging on his front gate with a sledgehammer. He said he allowed them in after being shown a search warrant signed by a state court judge. The SFPD officers then handcuffed him and searched his house with guns drawn.</p><p data-block-key=\"n7aaz\">Carmody was not formally arrested or charged with any crime, but he was detained for more than five hours. When he was finally released, the SFPD gave him a receipt showing that he had been in police custody from 8:22 a.m. to 1:55 p.m.</p><p data-block-key=\"hwp95\">While Carmody was in SFPD custody, two FBI agents asked to interview him, but he refused and requested an attorney. An FBI spokeswoman later told the Times that the FBI agents were not involved in the search of Carmody’s house. Technically speaking, Carmody was only raided by the SFPD, not by federal agents.</p><p data-block-key=\"vfqys\">During the raid on Carmody’s house, the SFPD learned that Carmody also used a separate office space for his independent media company, North Bay News, and quickly obtained a search warrant for the office space, <a href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/SF-police-raid-journalist-s-home-in-probe-over-13837363.php\">according to the San Francisco Chronicle</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"qn4xm\">In the end, the officers who searched Carmody’s house ended up seizing multiple notebooks, computers, phones, and cameras, while those who searched his office seized a USB thumb drive, multiple CDs, and a copy of a confidential police report into the death of San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi.</p><p data-block-key=\"8gfqn\">A source had leaked that police report to Carmody shortly after Adachi died unexpectedly on Feb. 22. The police report included salacious details about Adachi’s drug use and possible extramarital affair, and Carmody used the leaked report as the centerpiece of a story about Adachi’s death. Carmody sold his story on Adachi’s death to local TV news stations, who ran <a href=\"https://abc7news.com/abc7-obtains-sfpd-report-on-jeff-adachi-death/5153863/\">segments about it</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"lrc4w\">Progressive politicians roundly condemned the sensationalist coverage of Adachi’s death and accused the SFPD of deliberately leaking the police report to the media in order to smear Adachi, who had been a frequent critic of the police department. The SFPD also condemned the leak and pledged to track down the source of the police report.</p><p data-block-key=\"ou6d7\">According to the Chronicle, SFPD Captain William Braconi <a href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/SF-police-get-an-earful-about-leaked-Adachi-from-13779379.php\">testified during a special hearing</a> in April that the police department had launched both an internal administrative probe and a criminal investigation into the leak.</p><p data-block-key=\"7rz5e\">A few weeks before the May 10 raid, two San Francisco police officers visited Carmody and asked him to identify the source who had leaked him a copy of the police report. Carmody refused. Carmody <a href=\"https://californiaglobe.com/fr/journalist-says-police-feds-raid-home-in-pursuit-of-adachi-leak-information/\">told the California Globe</a> that when he refused, the officers warned him that if he did not identify his source, then he could be subject to a federal grand jury subpoena.</p><p data-block-key=\"7lwu9\">But Carmody never received a subpoena, either from a federal grand jury or a state prosecutor, which he could have contested in court. Instead, a state court judge secretly authorized the SFPD to raid his house and seize his devices.</p><p data-block-key=\"h4how\">David Stevenson, a spokesman for the SFPD, said that the raid on Carmody was part of the SFPD’s criminal investigation.</p><p data-block-key=\"yt79v\">“The citizens and leaders of the City of San Francisco have demanded a complete and thorough investigation into this leak, and this action represents a step in the process of investigating a potential case of obstruction of justice along with the illegal distribution of confidential police material,” he told the Times.</p><p data-block-key=\"4xrdt\">According to the Times, two judges of the San Francisco Superior Court — Gail Dekreon and Victor Hwang — approved the warrants to search Carmody’s house and office, respectively.</p><p data-block-key=\"hhjmw\">It is not clear who requested the warrants. A spokeswoman for the San Francisco district attorney’s office told the Times that the office was not involved in preparing the warrants.</p><p data-block-key=\"jjo6q\">Nor is it clear whether Dekreon and Hwang knew that Carmody was a journalist when they authorized the searches of his house and office space</p><p data-block-key=\"qe803\">Thomas Burke, an attorney at Davis Wright & Tremaine who is representing Carmody, said that the raid violated Carmody’s First Amendment rights. He told the Times that the investigators should have issued a subpoena for the records they wanted from Carmody, rather than raiding his newsroom and seizing documents unrelated to the investigation.</p><p data-block-key=\"6st9x\">“So much information has nothing to do with the purpose of their investigation,” he said. “If you are looking for one piece of information, that’s why you issue a subpoena.”</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX1JGYC.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"co9u8\">San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi, who died in February, speaks with reporters. Police raided the home and office of journalist Bryan Carmody, seeking the source of a confidential police report about Adachi’s death.</p>",
"arresting_authority": "San Francisco Police Department",
"arrest_status": "detained and released without being processed",
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": "returned in full",
"is_search_warrant_obtained": true,
"actor": "law enforcement",
"border_point": null,
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"denial_of_entry": false,
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"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
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"name_of_business": null,
"third_party_business": null,
"legal_order_venue": "State",
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [
{
"quantity": 2,
"equipment": "camera"
},
{
"quantity": 12,
"equipment": "cellphone"
},
{
"quantity": 11,
"equipment": "computer"
},
{
"quantity": 11,
"equipment": "storage device"
},
{
"quantity": 3,
"equipment": "work product"
}
],
"equipment_broken": [],
"state": {
"name": "California",
"abbreviation": "CA"
},
"updates": [
"(2020-03-03 10:29:00+00:00) San Francisco to pay $369,000 following raids of journalist Bryan Carmody",
"(2020-05-26 14:52:00+00:00) San Francisco police agree to inform officers of press protections following raid",
"(2019-05-21 14:02:00+00:00) Equipment seized in raid returned to Carmody",
"(2019-08-02 16:15:00+00:00) San Francisco judges quash three more warrants used in raid of independent journalist Bryan Carmody's home, office and phone records"
],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Arrest/Criminal Charge",
"Equipment Search or Seizure",
"Subpoena/Legal Order"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Bryan Carmody (North Bay News)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "Connecticut reporter arrested and briefly detained while covering demonstration",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/connecticut-reporter-arrested-and-briefly-detained-while-covering-demonstration/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-13T18:59:02.466968Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-01-12T15:17:12.927080Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-01-12T15:17:12.807403Z",
"date": "2019-05-09",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Bridgeport",
"longitude": -73.18945,
"latitude": 41.17923,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"04f0f\">Hearst Connecticut Media reporter Tara O’Neill was arrested while covering a demonstration in Bridgeport and briefly held in police custody on May 9, 2019.</p><p data-block-key=\"g6yrw\">According to <a href=\"https://www.ctpost.com/local/ctpost/article/For-Bridgeport-reporter-handcuffs-weren-t-13836844.php\">her first-person account for the Connecticut Post</a>, O’Neill was handcuffed by Bridgeport police while she was reporting on a protest commemorating the two-year anniversary of the fatal police shooting of teenager Jayson Negron. O’Neill was held for about 30 minutes, and then released without charges.</p><p data-block-key=\"2bqyz\">O’Neill shared video footage of her arrest on Twitter.</p></div>\n<div class=\"block-raw_html\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Footage of me getting arrested in <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bridgeport?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Bridgeport</a> while covering a <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/JusticeforJayson?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#JusticeforJayson</a> protest on the two-year anniversary of his death. <a href=\"https://t.co/4zEFIHSKj9\">pic.twitter.com/4zEFIHSKj9</a></p>— Tara O'Neill (@Tara_ONeill_) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/Tara_ONeill_/status/1126672343437336576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 10, 2019</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div>\n<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"l3pbz\">“I was standing on the sidewalk when they were asking people to get off the street and as I was being handcuffed I said, ‘I’m on a public sidewalk. I’m the press,’” O’Neill told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker in an email. “All I heard the arresting officer respond was ‘Ok,’ before he told me to sit down on the ground and not move.”</p><p data-block-key=\"velyu\">She said she was wearing her press badge on a lanyard around her neck, and that after being handcuffed, she attempted to explain to the officers that she was a reporter.</p><p data-block-key=\"c95bv\">“It didn’t seem to make any difference to them at that point,” she said.</p><p data-block-key=\"4lebs\">O’Neill was put in the back of a police car and taken to the police station, but never placed in a holding cell. The arresting officer, according to O’Neill, later apologized and said he did not know she was a reporter.</p><p data-block-key=\"yuikl\">The New England First Amendment Coalition quickly <a href=\"https://myemail.constantcontact.com/NEFAC-Denounces-Arrest-of-Hearst-Reporter--Calls-for-Public-Explanation-and-Apology.html?soid=1102771140783&aid=G0O31w7gz4M\">condemned her arrest and detention</a>. The Coalition called on Bridgeport police to issue a formal apology, release the name of the arresting officer, and review the department’s internal policies to prevent the future infringement on journalistic rights.</p><p data-block-key=\"jnuan\">“Looking back at what happened, I’m frustrated to know that there might not have been anything I could have done to prevent it — other than not showing up and doing my job,” O’Neill <a href=\"https://www.ctpost.com/local/ctpost/article/For-Bridgeport-reporter-handcuffs-weren-t-13836844.php\">wrote in the Connecticut Post</a>.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/image_1.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.png",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"f0l9p\">Bridgeport, Connecticut, police line up in response to a protest around the second anniversary of the shooting death of Jayson Negron. Reporter Tara O’Neill was detained and 11 others were arrested during the protest.</p>",
"arresting_authority": "Bridgeport Police Department",
"arrest_status": "detained and released without being processed",
"release_date": "2019-05-09",
"detention_date": "2019-05-09",
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": null,
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": null,
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
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"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [],
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"state": {
"name": "Connecticut",
"abbreviation": "CT"
},
"updates": [
"(2019-10-22 12:53:00+00:00) Connecticut police chief issues written apology for arrest of Hearst reporter"
],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [
"Black Lives Matter",
"protest"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Arrest/Criminal Charge"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Tara O'Neill (Hearst Connecticut Media Group)"
],
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"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "Former intelligence analyst charged with leaking classified documents to reporter",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/former-intelligence-analyst-charged-leaking-classified-documents-reporter/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-10T13:48:24.826627Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-02-29T19:53:16.490768Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-02-29T19:53:16.395135Z",
"date": "2019-05-09",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Alexandria",
"longitude": -77.04692,
"latitude": 38.80484,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"3igl8\">Former intelligence analyst Daniel Everette Hale was arrested on May 9, 2019, and <a href=\"https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/former-intelligence-analyst-charged-disclosing-classified-information\">charged with leaking classified information</a> about drone warfare and other counterterrorism measures to a reporter.</p><p data-block-key=\"e81nv\">Hale has been charged with five crimes related to the disclosure of military-related information, and could face up to 50 years in prison if convicted.</p><p data-block-key=\"x12ac\">The Justice Department indictment details alleged contact with a reporter dating back to April 2013, at which time Hale is accused of meeting with the reporter at a bookstore in Washington, D.C. The indictment lists 36 total documents Hale is alleged to have printed, 11 of which are classified.</p><p data-block-key=\"rrvn2\">While the reporter to whom Hale is accused of leaking is not named in the indictment, the description and timing of the reporting described in the document suggest it is Jeremy Scahill, who co-founded The Intercept and has reported extensively on U.S. military activities. The Intercept said it does not comment on anonymous sources in its <a href=\"https://theintercept.com/2019/05/09/statement-on-the-indictment-of-alleged-drone-strike-whistleblower/\">statement on the indictment</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"bsvcz\">James Risen, director of First Look Media’s Press Freedom Defense Fund and The Intercept’s senior national security correspondent, also <a href=\"https://www.pressfreedomdefensefund.org/news/2019/5/9/statement-on-the-indictment-of-alleged-drone-strike-whistleblower\">released a statement</a>:</p><p data-block-key=\"9yajd\">“Like previous prosecutions of alleged journalistic sources, the prosecution of Daniel Everette Hale amounts to an abuse of the Espionage Act to criminalize the process of reporting. Everyone who cares about press freedom should reject the government’s outrageous crackdown on whistleblowers, which accelerated dramatically under President Barack Obama and has escalated further under Donald Trump, targeting the very people who are working the hardest to hold the government accountable for abuses and to protect our democracy.”</p><p data-block-key=\"jhhcu\">Hale is the <a href=\"https://pressfreedomtracker.us/leak-case/?categories=7\">seventh person to be investigated</a> by the Trump Justice Department for allegedly sharing confidential information with the press. The Trump administration is on pace to surpass the Obama administration’s record of the most prosecutions of alleged journalistic sources. During President Obama’s eight years in office, the Department of Justice brought <a href=\"https://freedom.press/news/obama-used-espionage-act-put-record-number-reporters-sources-jail-and-trump-could-be-even-worse/\">charges against eight people</a> accused of leaking to the media.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/Screen_Shot_2019-05-10_at_7.55.31.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.png",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"5yco9\">Included in the indictment against Daniel Everette Hale is a chart of secret and top secret documents that he is accused of acquiring and printing.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
"arrest_status": null,
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": null,
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": null,
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": null,
"did_authorities_ask_about_work": null,
"assailant": null,
"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": true,
"subpoena_type": null,
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"third_party_business": null,
"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [],
"equipment_broken": [],
"state": {
"name": "Virginia",
"abbreviation": "VA"
},
"updates": [
"(2021-03-31 10:15:00+00:00) Former intelligence analyst pleads guilty to leaking classified documents to reporter",
"(2021-07-27 11:33:00+00:00) Former intelligence analyst sentenced to 45 months in prison under the Espionage Act"
],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [
"Department of Justice",
"Espionage Act"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Leak Case"
],
"targeted_journalists": [],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "Florida man arrested for assaulting journalist, shattering windshield",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/florida-man-arrested-assaulting-journalist-shattering-windshield/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-28T17:20:32.855572Z",
"last_published_at": "2023-10-27T21:33:05.696686Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2023-10-27T21:33:05.594020Z",
"date": "2019-05-03",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Altamonte Springs",
"longitude": -81.36562,
"latitude": 28.66111,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"3nom3\">A man was arrested in Altamonte Springs, Florida, on May 3, 2019, for assaulting a FOX 35 News journalist and shattering his windshield with a beer bottle.</p><p data-block-key=\"0kbjt\">Reporter and anchor Albert “David” Bodden was covering an armed burglary that had taken place earlier that day when he was confronted by a nearby resident identified as Christopher Davis. Davis, who was not involved in the burglary, accosted Bodden and demanded that he leave the area, the <a href=\"https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-ne-fox-35-reporter-windshield-shattered-20190506-story.html\">Orlando Sentinel reported</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"5sd3f\">The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office arrest report states that Davis appeared to be drunk—slurring his words, smelling of alcohol and carrying a bottle of Bud Light—and followed Bodden back to the FOX 35 vehicle while shouting profanities. When Bodden got into the passenger-side seat of the vehicle and closed the door, Davis threw the bottle he was carrying at the car, shattering the driver’s side windshield.</p></div>\n<div class=\"block-raw_html\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A man was just arrested for throwing a bottle at <a href=\"https://twitter.com/Fox35News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@Fox35News</a> vehicle, shattering the windshield. <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/orlando?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#orlando</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/PkFl68Tapk\">pic.twitter.com/PkFl68Tapk</a></p>— Troy Campbell (@TroyLeeCampbell) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/TroyLeeCampbell/status/1124445830717562880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 3, 2019</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div>\n<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"zdfxw\">According to the report, Davis then entered the vehicle from the driver’s side of the car. The report quotes Davis telling Bodden, “I’m going to fuck you up,” as he raised a clenched fist toward him. Bodden, fearing for his safety, exited the vehicle on the passenger side to avoid a possible blow.</p><p data-block-key=\"z0ugb\">Approximately $500 of damage was done to the vehicle’s windshield, and Bodden gave deputies a sworn statement and informed them that he wished to pursue charges.</p><p data-block-key=\"62jgk\">Davis was arrested at the scene on the charges of simple assault, burglary of an occupied conveyance, criminal mischief and disorderly intoxication. His arraignment has been scheduled for June 4.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/bodden_attack.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"7x1dw\">A man was arrested for damaging the windshield of a news car and assaulting the reporter inside it. The shattered windshield was captured by another reporter also at the scene of an earlier burglary.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
"arrest_status": null,
"release_date": null,
"detention_date": null,
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": null,
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": "private individual",
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": null,
"did_authorities_ask_about_work": null,
"assailant": "private individual",
"was_journalist_targeted": "yes",
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": null,
"third_party_business": null,
"legal_order_venue": null,
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [],
"equipment_broken": [
{
"quantity": 1,
"equipment": "vehicle"
}
],
"state": {
"name": "Florida",
"abbreviation": "FL"
},
"updates": [
"(2021-02-08 10:02:00+00:00) Florida reporter’s attacker sentenced after assault"
],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Assault",
"Equipment Damage"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Albert “David” Bodden (WOFL)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": null
},
{
"title": "Independent journalist files assault charges following May Day protests",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/independent-journalist-files-assault-charges-following-may-day-protests/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-30T16:14:56.969947Z",
"last_published_at": "2023-08-31T20:57:13.952538Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2023-08-31T20:57:13.833276Z",
"date": "2019-05-01",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Portland",
"longitude": -122.67621,
"latitude": 45.52345,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"ji3dx\">Andy Ngo, who identifies as an independent journalist and photographer, says he was sprayed with bear repellent and assaulted while recording during a May Day protest and its aftermath in Portland, Oregon.</p><p data-block-key=\"i9hxy\">Ngo, who primarily publishes his videos on Twitter and YouTube, says he was documenting rising tensions between members of antifa, who had scheduled a gathering at local bar Cider Riot, and members of far-right groups, including Patriot Prayer, who arrived at the bar seemingly to confront antifa members.</p><p data-block-key=\"wi85v\">When he arrived in front of the bar at approximately 7:30 p.m., Ngo told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that members of antifa who had covered their faces with bandanas and masks started shouting, “Camera! Camera!” Ngo said that the antifa protesters were familiar with him and his work, as he has been covering antifa critically since November 2016.</p><p data-block-key=\"80rgq\">While standing outside, Ngo said he was approached by a woman from the antifa side who said that she had applied for a job at his mother’s flower shop and a man who recited the shop’s address, which Ngo said felt like a pointed threat.</p><p data-block-key=\"fv9j0\">Patriot Prayer members arrived at the bar shortly after.</p><p data-block-key=\"5usny\">“[The two groups] were standing at the bar and across the street yelling at each other and eventually it did become physical,” Ngo said. “There was a brawl that involved what looked like pepper spray, mace and bear mace being sprayed, back-and-forth objects being thrown—glasses, bottles—and things were hitting cars and breaking on the ground.”</p><p data-block-key=\"1sevk\">About 10 minutes after he arrived, Ngo said he noticed that the interaction was becoming very hostile and decided to move a bit further back.</p><p data-block-key=\"rqa2g\">“I stood behind a van that was on the street and peaked around the corner with my camera,” Ngo told the Tracker. “And then a masked individual ran from the property of the bar and sprayed the chemical directly in my face.”</p><p data-block-key=\"su005\">In his video of the incident, a woman wearing sunglasses and a bandana covering her face can be seen coming from the opposite side of the van spraying what appears to be bear spray at members of Patriot Prayer before turning and spraying Ngo directly.</p><p data-block-key=\"8r0pi\">Ngo told the Tracker that the chemical burned his skin and eyes, and he had to be led across the street by a woman nearby to sit down. “I could still hear the fight and it sounded like it was getting closer and closer to me,” Ngo said. “The people around me said, ‘You’ve got to go, you’ve got to go now.’” Struggling to open his eyes, Ngo said he went to the nearest establishment, a wine bar, to use their restroom to wash what was left of the spray.</p><p data-block-key=\"62eqf\">At approximately 8:20 p.m., he called the police non-emergency line to report the incident. Ngo said the operator informed him that all available officers were currently engaged in policing the riot, and that no one would be available to take his statement for several hours. Ngo returned home, and just after 11 p.m. an officer came by to take his statement.</p><p data-block-key=\"qinog\">This was not the only incident Ngo reported to the police that day: He told the Tracker that he was punched while he was covering a protest earlier on that day, which he reported to officers at the scene. Ngo told the Tracker that protesters had recognized him when he arrived at a publicly announced protest just after noon.</p><p data-block-key=\"2f2cm\">“Immediately, they were hostile to me, although I’ve come to expect that,” Ngo said. “The ones that knew me flipped me off and cursed at me. The ones who didn’t know me went up to me and said, ‘I don’t give you permission to record me.’ I didn’t respond to that: it was in a public park.”</p><p data-block-key=\"b70d2\">At approximately 2:20 p.m. a man with his face covered and wearing sunglasses approached Ngo and sprayed his camera with silly string. An Oregonian reporter stepped between them, admonishing the man and prevented him from spraying Ngo or his gear further.</p><p data-block-key=\"hkifk\">It was shortly after, as the protesters’ march stopped in front of Portland’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices at around 2:45 p.m., that Ngo says an antifa protester punched him in the stomach.</p><p data-block-key=\"nj4n5\">In an email, a Portland Police Bureau public information officer said that the investigations into the two assaults reported by Ngo are ongoing and therefore the bureau cannot provide comment or details.</p></div>",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"k8k75\">In a screenshot from his video, Andy Ngo is sprayed with a chemical while filming May Day protests in Portland, Oregon.</p>",
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"name": "Oregon",
"abbreviation": "OR"
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"updates": [
"(2020-06-04 13:21:00+00:00) Conservative writer sues for damages claiming targeted assault, intimidation campaign",
"(2023-08-21 16:56:00+00:00) Writer awarded $300,000 in lawsuit alleging assault, intimidation campaign"
],
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"dismissed"
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"tags": [
"anti-fascism",
"chemical irritant",
"protest"
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"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Assault"
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"Andy Ngo (Independent)"
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},
{
"title": "Two reporters forced out of restaurant, equipment attacked",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/two-reporters-forced-out-restaurant-equipment-attacked/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-21T20:27:58.111748Z",
"last_published_at": "2023-05-07T13:05:03.874642Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2023-05-07T13:05:03.788375Z",
"date": "2019-05-01",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Lithonia",
"longitude": -84.10519,
"latitude": 33.71233,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"nq5m7\">Two members of an Atlanta, Georgia-based news crew were forced out of a restaurant and had their camera equipment repeatedly attacked while reporting a story on May 1, 2019.</p><p data-block-key=\"r87zi\">CBS46 photographer Dimitri Lotovski and reporter Adam Murphy were in a Denny’s in Lithonia asking employees about the restaurant’s failing inspection score when, <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/cbs46-photog-assaulted-two-employees-lithonia-denny-that-had-failing-restaurant-score/6yGLmvUQlZYzZEdSxtiljJ/\">according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>, one employee became aggressive.<br/></p><p data-block-key=\"80mnp\">In <a href=\"https://www.cbs46.com/news/restaurant-report-card-visit-ends-in-chaos/article_17a41538-6df3-11e9-8a99-eb434b9d47eb.html?fbclid=IwAR391aw_Gv6iNl5hECCguBFGMVq6sJmDGiZ4h0P5sgmgH891GFgr_ZcC7WE\">raw video footage of the incident</a> posted by CBS46, a Denny’s employee can be heard yelling at the reporters to get the camera “out of my face,” screaming profanities, and threatening to call the police.</p><p data-block-key=\"ckl0m\">Two employees shoved the camera, which was held by Lotovski, and then aggressively forced both reporters out of the restaurant.<br/></p><p data-block-key=\"rburv\">Another employee can be seen repeatedly slapping the camera. Soon after, officers with the DeKalb County Police arrived at the scene and confirmed that the reporters had the right to be on the premises and ask the restaurant employees questions.</p><p data-block-key=\"nhn29\">CBS46 <a href=\"https://www.cbs46.com/news/restaurant-report-card-visit-ends-in-chaos/article_17a41538-6df3-11e9-8a99-eb434b9d47eb.html?fbclid=IwAR391aw_Gv6iNl5hECCguBFGMVq6sJmDGiZ4h0P5sgmgH891GFgr_ZcC7WE\">published the statement</a> it received from Denny’s corporate office:</p><p data-block-key=\"f5hz1\">“We are disappointed by the inappropriate and unacceptable behavior by employees at our restaurant in Lithonia, Georgia earlier this week. As a family dining restaurant, Denny's expects the highest ethical and personal behavior from our team members, and we do not tolerate this type of behavior. We have spoken to the franchisee at this location and he has taken immediate action to ensure the restaurant meets our high brand standards and has taken appropriate action with employees.”</p><p data-block-key=\"s6kkl\">Murphy <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/cbs46-photog-assaulted-two-employees-lithonia-denny-that-had-failing-restaurant-score/6yGLmvUQlZYzZEdSxtiljJ/\">told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a> that in years of covering restaurant inspection stories, this incident was the most aggressive altercation he had experienced.</p><p data-block-key=\"fe6a5\">“We’ve had a hand in the camera before,” he told the Journal-Constitution, “but not numerous punches like that. It was the most violent encounter I’ve ever experienced.”</p></div>",
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"state": {
"name": "Georgia",
"abbreviation": "GA"
},
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"categories": [
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],
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},
{
"title": "Ohio editor testifies at Oberlin College defamation trial",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/ohio-editor-testifies-at-oberlin-college-defamation-trial/",
"first_published_at": "2024-08-15T20:14:04.846714Z",
"last_published_at": "2025-05-22T17:29:44.432263Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2025-05-22T17:29:44.312213Z",
"date": "2019-04-29",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Oberlin",
"longitude": -82.21738,
"latitude": 41.29394,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"13jti\">Jason Hawk, the editor of the Oberlin News-Tribune, was subpoenaed on April 29, 2019, to testify at a civil defamation trial against Ohio’s Oberlin College for claims filed by a local bakery. According to court records, Hawk complied, appearing during the first day of testimony on May 10, 2019.</p><p data-block-key=\"dmvta\">Hawk reported in November 2016 on protests outside of Gibson’s Bakery, which college administrators and students had accused of racial discrimination. The bakery filed its defamation suit against Oberlin College a year later.</p><p data-block-key=\"9grhr\">The college previously <a href=\"https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/oberlin-college-subpoenas-local-newspaper-editor-defamation-suit/\">subpoenaed Hawk</a> in 2018, seeking the editor’s communications with the bakery and his observations at the protest. Hawk sat for an initial deposition on June 27, during which he refused to answer any questions concerning his sources. Dissatisfied, Oberlin sought to compel further testimony while attorneys representing Hawk filed a motion to quash the subpoena.</p><p data-block-key=\"euqqv\">A county judge <a href=\"https://legalinsurrection.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gibsons-Bakery-v-Oberlin-College-Order-on-Motion-to-Quash-Journalist-Deposition-8-22-2018.pdf\">ruled</a> on Aug. 22 that Oberlin could ask Hawk about what he witnessed but not about his sources or his communications with other News-Tribune staff, and the editor sat for that videotaped deposition on Sept. 18.</p><p data-block-key=\"79u4l\">According to court records reviewed by the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, Hawk was called to testify again in April 2019 and appeared as a witness the following month.</p><p data-block-key=\"a559i\">The Chronicle <a href=\"https://chroniclet.com/news/126747/oberlin-police-chief-riot-team-was-almost-called-for-gibsons-bakery-protest/\">reported</a> that during his testimony Hawk described his experiences covering the 2016 protest, including that students shouted obscenities and spat at him, and that an Oberlin administrator attempted to block him from taking photos.</p></div>",
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"state": {
"name": "Ohio",
"abbreviation": "OH"
},
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"categories": [
"Subpoena/Legal Order"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Jason Hawk (Oberlin News-Tribune)"
],
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},
{
"title": "Baltimore court denies reporters access to courtroom audio recordings",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/baltimore-court-denies-reporters-access-courtroom-audio-recordings/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-07T19:04:43.411411Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-01-12T14:47:23.666106Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-01-12T14:47:23.569671Z",
"date": "2019-04-24",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Baltimore",
"longitude": -76.61219,
"latitude": 39.29038,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"am315\">The Baltimore City Circuit Court released an order dated April 24, 2019 that denies reporters the ability to obtain courtroom audio recordings. Independent journalist Justine Barron sued the judge that signed the order and Baltimore’s chief court reporter in response on May 2, alleging that it violates state law protections of public courtroom access.</p><p data-block-key=\"9aprs\">Barron has covered <a href=\"https://jewishjournal.com/blogs/n_the_case/236270/impossible-story-investigation-shooting-death-baltimore-police-detective-sean-suiter-part-1-commissioner-story/\">numerous stories</a> involving the city’s police department. She sought access to court audio recordings on April 17 as part of a case she is investigating.</p><p data-block-key=\"6buan\">Barron told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that the circuit court was getting ready to fulfill her request, and told her she needed a check or money order. On April 23, Court Technologist Christopher Metcalf sent an email to Barron that she could pick up the record the next day.<br/></p><p data-block-key=\"0lie1\">The next day, Barron was abruptly informed that the court would restrict “access of court audio to parties from now on.” Now, she said, she’ll have to return the money order she obtained to the post office and hope it will be refunded.</p><p data-block-key=\"b7tjr\">Barron noted that in Maryland, only parties to the case can obtain courtroom video, but anyone can obtain audio or transcripts.</p><p data-block-key=\"ukb2z\">“I kept being told that I’d have to view it in the office,” she said. “But I was wondering if he [Metcalf] was confused, because I wasn’t looking to view anything. And then it was clarified that they aren’t letting anyone get audio recordings, but didn’t say anything about an order at first.”</p><p data-block-key=\"xjerd\">Metcalf’s supervisor, Trish Trikeriotis, wrote to Barron on April 25 that the court had ordered that only parties or counsel representing a party were permitted to receive copies of recordings, although Barron could review the proceedings on site.</p><p data-block-key=\"nxvjb\">On April 29, Barron was sent a copy of a one-sentence order — dated April 24, the day she had originally been told she would be able to pick up the record — signed by Judge W. Michel Pierson:</p><p data-block-key=\"2e9co\">“Pursuant to the terms of Maryland Rule 16-504(h)(1)(C), it is, this day of April 24, 2019, ORDERED, that no copies of audio recordings maintained by the Office of the Court Reporter shall be made available to persons other than parties to the relevant proceeding or counsel to the relevant proceeding.”</p><p data-block-key=\"yo7oa\">Although courts in Maryland have historically granted the public access to audio recordings, broadcasting these recordings is prohibited. Several podcast producers have <a href=\"https://theintercept.com/2019/05/03/baltimore-court-audio-recordings-keith-davis-jr/\">done so anyway</a>, and a local journalist that Barron has worked with in the past has <a href=\"https://www.law.georgetown.edu/icap/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2019/04/2019.04.09-Letter-to-Baltimore-City-Circuit-Court.pdf\">challenged the legality</a> of prohibiting broadcasting the recordings.</p><p data-block-key=\"iglbc\">A litigator with the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown University Law Center <a href=\"https://theintercept.com/2019/05/03/baltimore-court-audio-recordings-keith-davis-jr/\">told The Intercept</a> that denial of access to these audio recordings was “trying to replace one unlawful policy with another.”</p><p data-block-key=\"gvibp\">Barron said that although the order initially appeared to target her specifically, it has affected other Baltimore reporters.</p><p data-block-key=\"s5zh9\">“After I was denied, at least one other person was able to get his CD,” she said. “The next day, someone was able to get one. So it seemed to be about me at first, but now, they’re punishing everyone.”</p><p data-block-key=\"pwiq6\">Paul McGrew, a Fox45 investigative reporter in Baltimore, wrote on social media that he was also denied access to courtroom audio recordings under the new order.</p></div>\n<div class=\"block-raw_html\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">We requested court audio from Balt. City Circuit Court and have been told Administrative Judge W. Michel Pierson is no longer allowing media to acquire court audio per the Recorders’ Office at Circuit Court.</p>— Paul McGrew (@McGrewFox45) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/McGrewFox45/status/1122972816276631552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div>\n<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"ecvt1\"><a href=\"https://www.law.georgetown.edu/icap/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2019/05/Barron-v.-Trikeriotis-Mandamus-Petition.pdf\">Barron’s lawsuit</a> alleges that Judge Pierson’s order violates Maryland state law, which makes audio recordings of all trial court proceedings open to the public.</p><p data-block-key=\"vgn6v\">“...[A] local administrative order cannot override a State Rule,” it states. “Moreover, the ‘order’ that the Court Reporter’s office cited remains shrouded in mystery: the Court has not identified its reasons or authority for issuing the ‘order,’ nor has it posted the order publicly. These events paint a disturbing picture—that of local court officials seeking to stymie the State’s goal of shining a light on the judiciary and, worse yet, seeking to do so in the dark.”</p><p data-block-key=\"qj2sk\">Terri Charles, Assistant Public Information Officer for the Government Relations and Public Affairs Division of the Maryland Judiciary, provided the Tracker with a statement:</p><p data-block-key=\"z5mip\">“The Judiciary does not comment on pending litigation. The media and the public can still listen to the court proceedings at the courthouse. The order states that copies are no longer available.”</p><p data-block-key=\"xvsrk\">Barron told the Tracker that courtroom recordings are critical in shedding important context on a case so that the press and lawyers can better understand what happened — which a transcript of the audio could not provide.</p><p data-block-key=\"nns80\">“Transcripts are not always accurate,” she said. “They are often full of typos. And a transcript is a document that the court has decided we can see — so we have to trust that they haven’t made a decision to edit it in some way. And the nuance of what happens in courtrooms is very important — like if someone stalls before answering or laughs, these details are important.”</p></div>",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"9mnxt\">Journalist Justine Barron has sued in Baltimore for access to audio recordings of court proceedings.</p>",
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"state": {
"name": "Maryland",
"abbreviation": "MD"
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"Paul McGrew (WBFF)"
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"Change in policy or practice",
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},
{
"title": "Colorado newspaper denied access to cover horse roundup",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/colorado-newspaper-denied-access-cover-horse-roundup/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-02T17:23:23.012349Z",
"last_published_at": "2023-12-21T16:57:47.414895Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2023-12-21T16:57:47.337121Z",
"date": "2019-04-24",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": null,
"longitude": null,
"latitude": null,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"x89sc\">Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado denied the press access to cover a horse roundup and removal, a process that in the past has been open to the media.</p><p data-block-key=\"j5mqo\">Colorado-based newspaper The Cortez Journal <a href=\"https://the-journal.com/articles/136712\">sought access to cover the process</a>, but Park Superintendent Cliff Spencer sent an email to The Journal on April 24 that banned media coverage of the roundup. Spencer stated that representatives of the horse roundup did not want any distractions present that “would negatively affect the behavior of the horses.”</p><p data-block-key=\"znty8\"><a href=\"https://the-journal.com/articles/136712\">According to The Journal</a>, Tim McGaffic, a horse wrangler who will be part of the roundup, said the paper’s proposal to have a reporter and photographer document and observe the process “seems more or less fine.”</p><p data-block-key=\"1x23d\">Despite this, Spencer’s email forbade public or media access altogether, on the grounds that the groups involved with the roundup were “adamant” that only those directly involved should be present.</p><p data-block-key=\"g9s6t\">Attorney Steve Zansberg represented The Journal in an April 26 letter to Spencer seeking access, emphasizing that the public access to government activities protected under the First Amendment includes operations on federal land — like horse roundups.</p><p data-block-key=\"vzwvl\">“Accommodating a single reporter and pool photographer for a limited period of time at a considerable distance from the wrangler-horse interactions is a constitutionally appropriate way to protect the public’s First Amendment right to access a National Park and to engage in protected newsgathering activities there,” the letter reads. “It is certainly a far ‘less restrictive means’ than a blanket ban on coverage of this federal operation.”</p><p data-block-key=\"wq6bt\">Zansberg also noted that other government agencies have <a href=\"https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705269631/Photo-gallery-Wild-horse-roundup.html\">allowed the press to cover roundups</a> of horses on federal property.</p><p data-block-key=\"kh7hj\">The Journal reporter Jim Mimiaga told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker on May 1 that the roundup has been approved, but has not yet taken place. Mimiaga said he was not aware of other news outlets that sought to cover the roundup.</p><p data-block-key=\"3gi7e\">Zansberg said that no substantive response from Spencer had been received as of May 1, and if the request continued to be denied, he would confer with the paper about next steps.</p><p data-block-key=\"iy3ec\">The National Park Service did not immediately reply to request for comment.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTR2I1R9.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"l0rnn\">Wild horses run in Utah as they are gathered by the Bureau of Land Management in 2010. Unlike this roundup and others, Mesa Verde National Park has denied access to press seeking to cover an upcoming Colorado roundup.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
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"name": "Colorado",
"abbreviation": "CO"
},
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"targeted_institutions": [
"The [Cortez] Journal"
],
"tags": [],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [
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],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Denial of Access"
],
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"Government event"
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},
{
"title": "Tennessee Highway Patrol blocks reporters from covering protest, threaten with arrest",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/tennessee-highway-patrol-blocks-reporters-covering-protest-threaten-arrest/",
"first_published_at": "2019-04-19T14:36:49.836010Z",
"last_published_at": "2023-12-21T16:59:48.551065Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2023-12-21T16:59:48.448991Z",
"date": "2019-04-16",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Nashville",
"longitude": -86.78444,
"latitude": 36.16589,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"y6fuv\">The Tennessee Highway Patrol threatened several reporters with arrest and blocked them from continuing reporting while they were covering a sit-in protest outside Gov. Bill Lee’s office in Nashville on April 16, 2019.</p><p data-block-key=\"j7u9f\"><a href=\"https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2019/04/16/troopers-kick-out-threaten-arrest-reporters-during-david-byrd-protest-governors-office/3491056002/\">According to The Tennessean</a>, state troopers told the reporters present that they would be “arrested if they didn't immediately leave the building, despite remaining out of the way and identifying themselves as working members of the media attempting to cover the news unfolding.” The reporters ultimately complied with the order.</p><p data-block-key=\"3x56p\">Four protesters remained from a larger demonstration in the Capitol building demanding a meeting with Lee to discuss Republican Rep. David Byrd, who has retained his office since sexual assault allegations became public.</p><p data-block-key=\"3nu4c\">The journalists were unable to continue their coverage of the protest, even though the protesters continued sitting outside of the office into the evening and spent the night. The remaining protesters were <a href=\"https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2019/04/18/five-arrested-outside-tennessee-gov-bill-lees-office-over-david-byrd/3506057002/\">ultimately arrested</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"q2rus\">The Tennessean/USA Today reporter Natalie Allison wrote on Twitter that she was one of numerous journalists — including fellow The Tennessean reporter Joel Ebert, Nashville Public Radio reporter Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, and NewsChannel 5 reporter Kyle Horan — that were threatened with arrest and blocked from continuing to cover the news.</p></div>\n<div class=\"block-raw_html\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Reporters, including <a href=\"https://twitter.com/joelebert29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@joelebert29</a>, <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SergioMarBel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@SergioMarBel</a>, <a href=\"https://twitter.com/KyleHoranNC5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@KyleHoranNC5</a> and me, should not have faced threats of arrest today for trying to do our jobs in the Capitol. This was the second time this session troopers have attempted to block us from covering news. <a href=\"https://t.co/5kwkeR3Tdi\">https://t.co/5kwkeR3Tdi</a></p>— Natalie Allison (@natalie_allison) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/natalie_allison/status/1118315544237813761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 17, 2019</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div>\n<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"jdd1m\">Allison’s colleague Ebert further noted that although the Capitol building does have hours of access, credential press historically have had access beyond that.</p></div>\n<div class=\"block-raw_html\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-lang=\"en\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">This is 100 percent wrong and is a break from all previous governors in recent memory. The building has hours of access but reporters have always had access beyond said hours. This is the second time this year that state troopers have stopped reporters from doing our jobs <a href=\"https://t.co/Wzwc6AXUaq\">https://t.co/Wzwc6AXUaq</a></p>— Joel Ebert (@joelebert29) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/joelebert29/status/1118296672176672769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>\r\n<script async src=\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div>\n<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"1ej7l\">The Tennessean article quotes Gov. Lee’s communications director, Chris Walker, as defending the troopers’ actions <a href=\"https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2019/04/16/troopers-kick-out-threaten-arrest-reporters-during-david-byrd-protest-governors-office/3491056002/\">as standard protocol</a>. "However, we do not condone threatening of arrest to reporters while they are doing their jobs in trying to cover news," Walker said.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/Tennessee_Capitol.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"nq0a5\">The state capitol building in Nashville, Tennessee, was the site of a sit-in protest that resulted in reporters being asked to leave and threatened with arrest.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
"arrest_status": null,
"release_date": null,
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"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [],
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"state": {
"name": "Tennessee",
"abbreviation": "TN"
},
"updates": [],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [
"Law enforcement: State"
],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Denial of Access"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Joel Ebert (The Tennessean)",
"Kyle Horan (WTVF)",
"Natalie Allison (The Tennessean)",
"Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (Nashville Public Radio)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": [
"Other"
]
},
{
"title": "School district demands prior review, threatens job of adviser over profile in student publication",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/school-district-demands-prior-review-threatens-job-adviser-over-profile-student-publication/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-03T13:33:24.768637Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-02-29T17:33:02.298371Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-02-29T17:33:02.208049Z",
"date": "2019-04-11",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Stockton",
"longitude": -121.29078,
"latitude": 37.9577,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"zthlg\">Administrators with the Lodi Unified School District in California demanded a student newspaper adviser submit an article for review prior to publication, under threat of discipline and dismissal.</p><p data-block-key=\"np4os\">The latest edition of Bear Creek High School’s student newspaper, the Bruin Voice, is set to include a profile of an 18-year-old student who is active in the porn industry.</p><p data-block-key=\"fufed\">“This young woman has quite a story to tell,” the paper’s adviser, Kathi Duffel, <a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/04/25/free-speech-isnt-free-is-it-sensitive-story-could-cost-high-school-journalism-teacher-her-job/?utm_term=.5b848a3b3e86\">told The Washington Post</a>. “She has every right to tell her story, and we have every right to report it.” Duffel said the administrators do not seem to understand that First Amendment rights must be respected.</p><p data-block-key=\"wznkj\">Word about the profile spread around the school, and Bear Creek High School Principal Hillary Harrell delivered a letter by Lodi Unified School District Superintendent Cathy Nichols-Washer to Duffel on April 11, 2019.</p><p data-block-key=\"89jwt\">“You are hereby directed to refrain from publishing the article prior to the District’s review and approval,” <a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/04/25/free-speech-isnt-free-is-it-sensitive-story-could-cost-high-school-journalism-teacher-her-job/?utm_term=.5b848a3b3e86\">Nichols-Washer wrote</a>. “Should you fail to provide a copy of the article as directed, you may be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal.”</p><p data-block-key=\"cb6mp\">As longtime adviser of the Bruin Voice, Duffel has won <a href=\"https://spjnorcal.org/2015/02/08/winners-announced-for-2015-james-madison-freedom-of-information-award/\">awards for her leadership</a> — including in previous fights over censorship with Bear Creek High School.</p><p data-block-key=\"58rds\">Lilly Lim, a managing editor, sports editor, and photography editor at The Bruin Voice, told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that newspapers containing the student profile will be distributed on May 3.</p><p data-block-key=\"i0era\">“As an editorial staff, we unanimously decided to continue with writing the story and submit it into publication,” Lim, a junior, said. “Soon after we notified the district of our decision, the request turned into a mandate whereby we were demanded to send a review. Since then, everything has been a back-and-forth battle.”</p><p data-block-key=\"clxsg\">In a <a href=\"https://www.lodiusd.net/district/superintendents-office/communications-and-community-outreach/media-statements\">statement released by Lodi Unified School District on May 1</a>, the district stated it will not continue to seek to prevent the article’s publication</p><p data-block-key=\"ylhaj\">“The District has determined that it will rely on the promises Mrs. Duffel’s personal attorney has made on her behalf regarding the content of the article and on that basis will not prevent its publication. However, the District does not agree with all aspects of the legal opinion provided by the attorney and is disappointed that an independent review was not provided as agreed to by the District and Mrs. Duffel. Moreover, because the District has been denied an opportunity to preview the article, the District does not endorse it. Because we are charged with the education and care of our community’s children, we will always be diligent in our efforts to provide a safe learning environment for all students, while complying with our obligations under the law.”</p><p data-block-key=\"axgd1\"><a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/04/25/free-speech-isnt-free-is-it-sensitive-story-could-cost-high-school-journalism-teacher-her-job/?utm_term=.5b848a3b3e86\">The Washington Post</a> reported that Duffel emphasized that in her decades as a student newspaper adviser, she has “never buckled and provided the administration with a copy of a story in advance.”</p><p data-block-key=\"309pr\">Lim said Duffel has had a significant impact on her life during her tenure at Bear Creek High School. “Ms. Duffel is, in my opinion, the most renowned and influential teacher on Bear Creek's campus,” she told the Tracker.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
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"image_caption": "",
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"state": {
"name": "California",
"abbreviation": "CA"
},
"updates": [],
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"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [
"The [Bear Creek High School] Bruin Voice"
],
"tags": [
"student journalism"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Other Incident"
],
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},
{
"title": "WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrested and charged with conspiracy",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-arrested-and-charged-conspiracy/",
"first_published_at": "2019-04-11T20:34:11.567547Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-06-26T01:54:57.670553Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-06-26T01:54:57.414928Z",
"date": "2019-04-11",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Alexandria",
"longitude": -77.04692,
"latitude": 38.80484,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"39ttb\">On April 11, 2019, federal prosecutors <a href=\"https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/wikileaks-founder-charged-computer-hacking-conspiracy\">unsealed an indictment</a> against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, charging him with one count of conspiring with Chelsea Manning, a WikiLeaks source, to violate a federal anti-hacking law. The charge was unsealed just hours after Ecuador terminated Assange’s political asylum and <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/apr/11/julian-assange-arrested-at-ecuadorian-embassy-wikileaks\">British police arrested Assange</a> inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.</p><p data-block-key=\"rt5pb\">The indictment — originally filed under seal in the Eastern District of Virginia on March 6, 2018 — focuses on Assange’s communications with Manning in 2010, when she was an Army intelligence analyst looking to leak classified documents to WikiLeaks.</p><p data-block-key=\"0i62x\"><a href=\"https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5816961-Assange-Indictment.html\">According to the indictment</a>, between January 2010 and May 2010, Manning downloaded hundreds of thousands of internal government documents — including significant activity reports from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, diplomatic cables, and Guantanamo Bay detainee reports — and leaked them for publication on WikiLeaks.</p><p data-block-key=\"t3lcs\">The indictment alleges that in March 2010, after Manning had already leaked large caches of documents to Assange, she asked Assange to help her cover her tracks in order to avoid being detected as WikiLeaks’ source. Specifically, she wanted help breaking a hashed password so that she could use a different user account to access the government databases from which she was downloading documents. The indictment alleges that Assange agreed to help Manning decrypt the password, though it does not mention whether he actually did so.</p><p data-block-key=\"1tyit\">Assange is being charged with one count of conspiracy to violate provisions of the <a href=\"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1030\">Computer Fraud and Abuse Act</a>, a broad anti-hacking law that prohibits unauthorized access to computer systems. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.</p><p data-block-key=\"flbbw\">The indictment specifically alleges that Assange entered into a conspiracy with Manning to “facilitate Manning’s acquisition and transmission of classified information related to the national defense of the United States so that WikiLeaks could publicly disseminate the information on its website.” It alleges that Assange tried to further this conspiracy by agreeing to try and crack the password for Manning.</p><p data-block-key=\"g2y81\">The indictment also lists different “ways, manners, and means” that Assange and Manning allegedly used to carry out the conspiracy, some of which are typical of interactions between sources and reporters:</p></div>\n<div class=\"block-blockquote\">\n\n<blockquote class=\"blockquote\" >\n\t<div class=\"rich-text\"><p data-block-key=\"u062s\">19. It was part of the conspiracy that Assange and Manning took measures to conceal Manning as the source of the disclosure of classified records to WikiLeaks, including by removing usernames from the disclosed information and deleting chat logs between Assange and Manning.</p><p data-block-key=\"6tgik\">20. It was part of the conspiracy that Assange encouraged Manning to provide information and records from departments and agencies of the United States.</p><p data-block-key=\"625xr\">21. It was part of the conspiracy that Assange and Manning used a special folder on a cloud drop box of WikiLeaks to transmit classified records containing information related to the national defense of the United States.</p></div>\n\t\n</blockquote>\n</div>\n<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"ijop5\">The indictment alarmed some press freedom groups.</p><p data-block-key=\"8y0d1\">“The indictment and the Justice Department’s press release treat everyday journalistic practices as part of a criminal conspiracy,” Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, said in a statement about the charges. “Whether the government will be able to establish a violation of the hacking statute remains to be seen, but it’s very troubling that the indictment sweeps in activities that are not just lawful but essential to press freedom — activities like cultivating sources, protecting sources’ identities, and communicating with sources securely.”</p><p data-block-key=\"hlzr9\">Manning is currently imprisoned for refusing to testify in front of a grand jury. Assange is currently in British police custody in London, and it is unclear whether he will be extradited to the United States to face these federal charges.<br/></p><p data-block-key=\"cb826\">“We can confirm that Julian Assange was arrested in relation to a provisional extradition request from the United States of America,” the UK Home Office <a href=\"https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2019/04/11/extradition-factsheet/\">said in a statement</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"kyr21\">Assange will have the opportunity to challenge his extradition at a May 2 hearing held at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTS2HAEJ.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"gp0yr\">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is seen in a police van in London, England, after his removal from the Ecuadorian Embassy and arrest by British police on April 11, 2019.</p>",
"arresting_authority": "U.S. Department of Justice",
"arrest_status": "charged without arrest",
"release_date": "2024-06-24",
"detention_date": "2019-04-11",
"unnecessary_use_of_force": false,
"case_number": null,
"case_type": null,
"status_of_seized_equipment": null,
"is_search_warrant_obtained": false,
"actor": null,
"border_point": null,
"target_us_citizenship_status": null,
"denial_of_entry": false,
"stopped_previously": false,
"did_authorities_ask_for_device_access": null,
"did_authorities_ask_about_work": null,
"assailant": null,
"was_journalist_targeted": null,
"charged_under_espionage_act": false,
"subpoena_type": null,
"name_of_business": null,
"third_party_business": null,
"legal_order_venue": "Federal",
"status_of_prior_restraint": null,
"mistakenly_released_materials": false,
"links": [],
"equipment_seized": [],
"equipment_broken": [],
"state": {
"name": "Virginia",
"abbreviation": "VA"
},
"updates": [
"(2019-05-23 16:13:00+00:00) WikiLeaks founder indicted on Espionage Act charges, raising press freedom concerns",
"(2022-06-17 11:53:00+00:00) British home secretary signs extradition papers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange",
"(2024-06-26 17:20:00+00:00) WikiLeaks founder pleads guilty to Espionage Act charge, sentenced to time served",
"(2020-06-24 18:50:00+00:00) Justice Department announces new indictment against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange",
"(2024-05-20 17:52:00+00:00) WikiLeaks founder granted leave to appeal extradition order"
],
"case_statuses": [],
"workers_whose_communications_were_obtained": [],
"target_nationality": [],
"targeted_institutions": [],
"tags": [
"Department of Justice",
"Espionage Act"
],
"politicians_or_public_figures_involved": [],
"authors": [],
"categories": [
"Arrest/Criminal Charge",
"Subpoena/Legal Order"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Julian Assange (WikiLeaks)"
],
"subpoena_statuses": [],
"type_of_denial": []
},
{
"title": "Harvard Crimson reporter subpoenaed for reporting materials, testimony in defamation suit",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/harvard-crimson-reporter-subpoenaed-reporting-materials-testimony-defamation-suit/",
"first_published_at": "2019-06-21T15:34:37.027037Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-08-14T22:17:15.228912Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-08-14T22:17:15.097342Z",
"date": "2019-04-10",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Cambridge",
"longitude": -71.10561,
"latitude": 42.3751,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"jek55\">A reporter and multimedia editor for The Harvard Crimson, the university’s daily paper, was issued a subpoena on April 10, 2019, to testify in a deposition and provide communications and reporting materials.</p><p data-block-key=\"23dkf\">Shera Avi-Yonah was one of The Crimson reporters who had written on activities around and including a defamation lawsuit brought by Harvard College staff members Carl and Valencia Miller against Gail O’Keefe, a faculty dean.</p><p data-block-key=\"ditkz\">The defamation suit stemmed from interactions with a student activist and another faculty dean’s decision to represent Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood producer who is facing multiple allegations of sexual assault. Other journalists involved in the reporting did not receive subpoenas.</p><p data-block-key=\"yxjuj\">The Crimson <a href=\"https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2019/4/22/crimson-resists-subpoena-by-winthrop-tutors/\">reported</a> that the subpoena specifically requested all of Avi-Yonah’s communications and documents “concerning” the Millers, as well as communications and documents related to the faculty deans and student activist Danu Mudannayake, who is also on staff at The Crimson.</p><p data-block-key=\"b0kc5\">The subpoena also required Avi-Yonah to testify at a May 14 deposition.</p><p data-block-key=\"julzd\">Robert Bertsche, an attorney representing The Crimson, filed a written objection to the subpoena on April 19. The Millers’ attorney, George Leontire, emailed a statement on his clients’ behalf a few days later communicating their intention to bring a motion to compel Avi-Yonah’s testimony.</p><p data-block-key=\"z9zmx\">Leontire also stated that he anticipated issuing “numerous other subpoenas,” and would not hesitate to depose other Crimson staff.</p><p data-block-key=\"qtrs9\">“If I believe other individuals at the Crimson have relevant or probative information relative to Dean Gal O’keefe’s [sic] defamation of the Millers I will seek to subpoena such individuals,” wrote Leontire, according to The Crimson.</p><p data-block-key=\"1ni0d\">Crimson President Kristine Guillaume wrote in an emailed statement to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that the paper would resist the subpoena because the reporter is not a party to the suit, citing the First Amendment.</p><p data-block-key=\"6d2eu\">Massachusetts does not have a shield law in place, though courts <a href=\"http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/massachusetts-protections-sources-and-source-material\">have recognized reporter’s privilege</a> to protect their sources and reporting material under “common law.”</p></div>",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"5yue3\">The president for The Harvard Crimson, the university’s daily newspaper, said the paper would resist a subpoena directed at a reporter’s communications.</p>",
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{
"title": "California Congressman Devin Nunes files defamation suit against newspaper for its coverage",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/california-congressman-devin-nunes-files-defamation-suit-against-newspaper-its-coverage/",
"first_published_at": "2019-04-17T16:01:12.509970Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-02-29T18:59:15.463358Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-02-29T18:59:15.373136Z",
"date": "2019-04-09",
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"city": "Charlottesville",
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"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"gfd9u\">California Representative Devin Nunes has filed a $150 million defamation lawsuit agaiont The McClatchy Company, which owns The Fresno Bee, arguing that its reporting on the congressman constituted “character assassination.”</p><p data-block-key=\"b03ms\">The April 2019 lawsuit focuses on an exposé <a href=\"https://www.fresnobee.com/news/business/article210912434.html\">The Bee published</a> in May 2018, about a yacht party in which Napa Valley wine investors took cocaine. Nunes <a href=\"https://www.scribd.com/document/405589277/Amended-Complaint-4-9-19\">claims that</a> the story was defamatory because it implied that he was involved in the cocaine and sex worker-fueled party. The article does not state that Nunes was present, but it does name him as a partial investor in the company.</p><p data-block-key=\"ctrgo\">Nunes’ <a href=\"https://www.scribd.com/document/405589277/Amended-Complaint-4-9-19\">lawsuit accuses</a> McClatchy and the reporter, MacKenzie Mays, of unethical journalism:</p><p data-block-key=\"8js1p\">“The Defendants in this case abandoned the role of journalist, and chose to leverage their considerable power to spread falsehoods and to defame the Plaintiff for political and financial gain.”</p><p data-block-key=\"88np4\">The McClatchy California Opinion Editors authored a <a href=\"https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/editorials/article229034054.html\">piece in The Bee</a> on April 10 refuting many of Nunes’ core allegations.</p><p data-block-key=\"2v3k4\">The lawsuit also accuses Republican consultant Liz Mair of conspiring with Mays to derail Nunes’ work and “smear” him.</p><p data-block-key=\"aj7dd\">Mair is also a defendant in a secondary <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/19/us/politics/devin-nunes-twitter-lawsuit.html\">defamation lawsuit by Nunes against Twitter</a> and several of its users over parody accounts that he made. Nunes is accusing the social media company of “shadow banning” his tweets, or curtailing the reach of his social media presence.</p><p data-block-key=\"a2kt8\">Mair responded to the Twitter litigation in a <a href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/04/05/devin-nunes-suing-me-free-speech-twitter-liz-mair-column/3346525002/\">USA Today column</a> on April 5.</p><p data-block-key=\"7k77h\">“It’s vitally important that the entire nation understands what this lawsuit is really about: A sitting member of the U.S. government, specifically, a congressman, is trying to stifle free speech — mine, yours and every other American’s — by using litigation as a cudgel to bully and intimidate,” Mair wrote.</p><p data-block-key=\"9gf2m\">During an April 10 interview on the Fox News show Fox & Friends, <a href=\"https://www.foxnews.com/politics/devin-nunes-150m-lawsuit-mcclatchy\">Nunes accused McClatchy</a> of being the “biggest perpetrator of fake news,” and said that he intended to “go after” other news outlets with defamation outlets.</p><p data-block-key=\"685d1\">“McClatchy is one of the worst offenders of this,” Nunes said. “But we're coming after the rest of them.”</p><p data-block-key=\"fn8ac\">The same day, CNN <a href=\"https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/10/media/devin-nunes-lawsuit-mcclatchy/index.html\">reported</a> on an internal memo and statement from McClatchy, which vowed to defend The Bee.</p><p data-block-key=\"30cgq\">“The lawsuit represents a baseless attack on local journalism and a free press,” read McClatchy’s statement. “At a time when local journalism is facing more pressing and urgent challenges, the lawsuit is an unproductive distraction and a misuse of the judicial system.”</p><p data-block-key=\"paq4\">Nunes’ office did not respond to emailed requests for comment.</p></div>",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"0jjsn\">Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) speaks in March at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Nunes is suing newspaper company McClatchy in a $150 million defamation lawsuit.</p>",
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"name": "Virginia",
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"(2020-10-20 00:00:00+00:00) Congressman Nunes drops $150 million lawsuit against bankrupt McClatchy Company"
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{
"title": "Pastor threatens Greenville News during sermon",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/pastor-threatens-greenville-news-during-sermon/",
"first_published_at": "2019-04-08T15:31:27.524108Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-02-29T18:59:32.798943Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-02-29T18:59:32.675113Z",
"date": "2019-04-02",
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"city": "Greenville",
"longitude": -82.39401,
"latitude": 34.85262,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"hfbrt\">Pastor Hope Carpenter appeared to threaten Greenville News during a sermon at a South Carolina church on April 2, 2019.</p><p data-block-key=\"2dgxr\">Toward the end of Carpenter's monologue at Relentless Church in Greenville, she expressed gratitude to the church leadership before targeting Greenville News.</p><p data-block-key=\"pr7yb\">"I cut people. I got a knife right in that pocketbook," Carpenter told the congregation, <a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/04/02/i-cut-people-hope-carpenter-relentless-church-greenville-news/?utm_term=.3613664d6146&wpisrc=nl_most&wpmm=1\">according to the Washington Post</a>. "Greenville News, come on. We done went through this. I'm still here, and guess who else is still going to be here?" Carpenter ended, pointing to controversial pastor John Gray.</p><p data-block-key=\"f0xpg\">Relentless Church's new leaders, pastors John and Aventer Gray, had recently been the subjects of investigative reporting by Greenville News, which <a href=\"https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2019/01/19/john-gray-house-relentless-church-pastor/2360826002/\">wrote in January 2019</a> how John Gray lives in a nearly $2 million home funded by the church. In another piece, Greenville News <a href=\"https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2019/01/19/john-gray-house-relentless-church-pastor/2360826002/\">covered lavish personal purchases</a> he made for his wife.</p><p data-block-key=\"p6dh6\">Carpenter did not respond to request by the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker for comment.</p><p data-block-key=\"81vb9\">"The Greenville News strives to cover every organization in our community in a fair and unbiased way and also aggressively and comprehensively,” said Greenville News Executive Editor Katrice Hardy. “Our robust coverage of Relentless church has included stories ranging from the church's assistance in helping launch an emergency homeless shelter in Pickens County to the way that the church has used its resources."</p></div>",
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"name": "South Carolina",
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{
"title": "Texas high school journalism adviser resigns; district implements prior review policies",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/texas-high-school-journalism-advisor-resigns-district-implements-prior-review-policies/",
"first_published_at": "2019-05-01T16:49:56.963315Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-02-29T18:59:52.865397Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-02-29T18:59:52.789404Z",
"date": "2019-04-01",
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"city": "Katy",
"longitude": -95.8244,
"latitude": 29.78579,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"scd13\">The journalism adviser at a high school in Katy, Texas, has resigned after a prolonged conflict with school administration, which originated over how the yearbook should cover LGBTQ content. In the wake of this conflict, the principal also changed campus policy so that future issues of the yearbook will be subject to prior review.</p><p data-block-key=\"c1v2x\">The Seven Lakes High School teacher, Katie Moreno, declined to speak with the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker about the situation, citing the conditions of her employment contract with the Katy Independent School District. But she consulted with the legal team at the Student Press Law Center, and a staff attorney there, Sommer Ingram Dean, provided to the Tracker a 30-page document in which Moreno details her interactions with Seven Lakes principal Kerri Finnesand.</p><p data-block-key=\"bucoe\">“When a school district forces an award-winning journalism teacher to resign, you have to think there’s something more to the story than what school officials may be stating. Time and time again we see fearless journalism advisers teaching their students sound, responsible journalism, and winning awards for it, but still struggling to keep a job,” Dean said. “Every adviser that is bullied out of a job and every student that is pressured into silence is a threat to free speech. I hope Seven Lakes understands the gravity of this situation.”</p><p data-block-key=\"s16se\">Moreno, who has taught at Seven Lakes since January 2014, was awarded the Journalism Education Association’s “Rising Star” award in November 2018, according to an<a href=\"http://katytimes.com/education/article_b1f9a6ea-1e4b-11e9-8de0-97d16d333762.html\"> article</a> published by the Katy Times in January.</p><p data-block-key=\"4u1kj\">According to Moreno’s account, in November 2018 she brought a yearbook page for the Pride Club, the school’s group for LGBTQ students, to Finnesand for her review. The yearbook content had never been subject to prior review before, but Moreno showed it to Finnesand out of respect for a former administrator, whose child was featured on the page. Finnesand wrote in an email to Moreno that the administrator's child “will not be featured in the year book with the Pride Club” and ordered her to contact the parent of every student featured “about their child’s quote and the context of the club.” Finnesand did not respond to a request for comment.</p><p data-block-key=\"gyagn\">Moreno drafted a permission slip for parents to sign and let the adviser of the Pride Club know about it. The adviser protested, saying that no other clubs faced such a requirement, so it could be construed as discriminatory. When the adviser brought it up directly with Finnesand, the principal told Moreno she was being “insubordinate” by broaching the topic with the Pride Club adviser.</p><p data-block-key=\"374s1\">On Dec. 5, a yearbook student sent a private message on social media, writing that the principal wanted to change the publication layout for several groups, and have the parents of all Pride Club members sign a permission slip. The student lamented that “[a]ll the work we’ve done to build these clubs, all the memories, all the growth, will all be excluded from the yearbook if we don’t use our voice now in whatever ways possible.” Another student reposted the message, and Moreno brought the message to Finnesand’s attention, who viewed it as a “personal attack,” according to Moreno’s documentation.</p><p data-block-key=\"z4y1u\">The next afternoon, Finnesand came into Moreno’s classroom and confronted her within earshot of her students. “She said I’m not doing my job, and that I clearly can’t control my kids. And I ‘let’ them go to social media to slander her. And because of that I don’t need to be the yearbook adviser here,” Moreno wrote.</p><p data-block-key=\"0mxkl\">A meeting between Finnesand and Moreno’s journalism students took place on Dec. 7, where they agreed on a plan on how to cover non-curriculum clubs in the yearbook going forward.</p><p data-block-key=\"g003r\">After the students left that meeting, Finnesand spoke with Moreno again where she expressed that she never has problems dealing with leaders of other organizations. Moreno, in her document, wrote her interactions with Finnesand left her feeling belittled: “[d]ue to the nature of student publications, there will be times she needs to have a conversation with the adviser and with the editors. Every single time I have contacted her with a question or an update, I am met with animosity, condescension, and judgement. This is an unfair comparison, as issues regarding censorship do not arise from service organizations or athletics.”</p><p data-block-key=\"noq9q\">The print edition of the school’s newspaper, The Torch, has always operated under prior review. Moreno’s students dropped off a proof of the December issue for review by Finnesand on Dec. 3, and it was returned to Moreno without any comments. The issue’s cover included an edited image of a girl surrounded by a cloud of smoke, accompanying an article about vaping titled “A Fatal Fad.” The photograph was taken using dry ice. The cover was included in the approved proof binder, but after the issue was distributed, Moreno was given a performance review memorandum to sign for the image appearing on the cover.</p><p data-block-key=\"e1o5v\">Following a series of interactions with Finnesand, Moreno sent a grievance letter to Jeff Stocks, assistant superintendent of the Katy ISD, in which she outlined the communication difficulties she was having with Finnesand. At a meeting with Stocks and Finnesand on Jan. 8, 2019, Moreno was giving a document that stated that “campus administration will approve all pages of the SLHS yearbook,” a departure from the previous policy that did not require prior review. At the conclusion of that meeting, Finnesand informed Moreno that she would not be the yearbook or newspaper sponsor next school year, according to Moreno’s account.</p><p data-block-key=\"nozzi\">According to Moreno’s account, after a series of meetings with a school district Human Resources representative where the future of Moreno’s teaching contract was called into question, she opted to resign on April 1, 2019.</p><p data-block-key=\"sfdhz\">Moreno will teach through the end of the school year, and in her resignation cited her intention to find a teaching position in another school district, Ingram Dean at the SPLC told the Tracker.</p><p data-block-key=\"kr016\">Justin Graham, the general counsel for Katy ISD, told the Tracker in an email that Moreno resigned “unilaterally and voluntarily” from her job at Seven Lakes.</p><p data-block-key=\"nnxcu\"><i>Editor's Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified Jeff Stocks as superintendent of Katy Independent School District. Stocks is assistant superintendent.</i></p></div>",
"introduction": "",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"aeauh\">Journalism adviser Katie Moreno, left, works with Seven Lakes High School students in Katy, Texas. In April 2019, Moreno resigned from her position following a series of disagreements with school administration about content.</p>",
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{
"title": "Judge limits media access to evidence in Minnesota police shooting trial",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/judge-limits-media-access-evidence-minnesota-police-shooting-trial/",
"first_published_at": "2019-04-04T20:20:59.122542Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-01-11T18:02:53.184250Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-01-11T18:02:53.101249Z",
"date": "2019-03-29",
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"city": "Minneapolis",
"longitude": -93.26384,
"latitude": 44.97997,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"2e8m7\">The judge presiding over the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor ruled on March 29, 2019, that media and members of the public will be restricted from viewing “graphic evidence”—including body cam footage and photographs from the crime scene and medical examiner’s office—in the case that will be displayed for the jury.</p><p data-block-key=\"efjq5\">At a final pretrial hearing, Hennepin County District Judge Kathryn L. Quaintance said she was blocking this evidence from being seen by anyone aside from the jury and attorneys in the case because “there’s privacy interest involved,”<a href=\"http://www.startribune.com/attorneys-judge-to-address-final-details-in-upcoming-noor-trial/507825992/\"> according</a> to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. She called airing this evidence publicly “inflammatory, potentially” as it “shows the deceased in extremely compromising situations.”</p><p data-block-key=\"8emnn\">Noor is accused of fatally shooting Justine Ruszczyk Damond, an Australian woman who had called police to alert them to a possible assault taking place in the alleyway behind her home. Noor allegedly shot and killed her when she approached his police cruiser. Jury selection in the case began on April 1.</p><p data-block-key=\"i9og4\">A coalition of media representatives including the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio filed a <a href=\"http://mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/High-Profile-Cases/27-CR-18-6859/NoticeofMotionandMotion040219.pdf\">motion</a> on April 2 objecting to Quaintance’s ruling barring media from viewing evidence, arguing it amounts to a unconstitutional “de facto closure of the courtroom.”</p><p data-block-key=\"v81nr\">“Excluding the press and public from viewing evidence presented to the jury and other trial participants violates the Constitutional and common law rights of press and public access to criminal proceedings,” wrote Leita Walker, an attorney for the media coalition, in a <a href=\"http://mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/High-Profile-Cases/27-CR-18-6859/MemoranduminSupportofMotion040219.pdf\">memorandum</a> supporting the motion.</p><p data-block-key=\"87fgd\">As of publication, the motion had not been scheduled for a hearing. Jury selection in the case is ongoing.</p><p data-block-key=\"15238\">Courts have upheld the notion that media outlets and the public have a right to “contemporaneous access” to evidence during a trial, Walker argued, citing the Second Circuit case ABC v. Stewart, where the court found “[t]he ability to see and to hear a proceeding as it unfolds is a vital component of the First Amendment right of access—not . . . an incremental benefit.” Additionally, Quaintance’s argument is invalid, Walker wrote, as the state of Minnesota “does not recognize a posthumous right to privacy.”</p><p data-block-key=\"w6w6m\">The judge’s decision to limit access to evidence “clearly crossed a constitutional boundary,” Mark Anfinson, an attorney for the Minnesota Newspaper Association, told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.</p><p data-block-key=\"xunrv\">In an <a href=\"http://mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/High-Profile-Cases/27-CR-18-6859/OrderonConductatTrial032719.pdf\">order</a> issued on March 27, Quaintance wrote that to preserve “order and decorum” in the courtroom, space devoted to the media will be limited to eight seats, of which four will be available to local media outlets and four to national and international outlets. Four seats each will be reserved for the family members of the victim and defendant, one for a sketch artists, which leaves only 11 seats for the public, <a href=\"http://www.mnspj.org/2019/03/29/mnspj-opposes-hennepin-county-courts-severe-restrictions-on-noor-shooting-trial-coverage/\">according</a> to Joe Spear, the president of the Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune <a href=\"http://www.startribune.com/judge-restricts-media-public-s-access-to-noor-murder-trial/507810372/\">noted</a> that other courtrooms in the building contain double the amount of seating.</p><p data-block-key=\"i70np\">The judge’s initial <a href=\"http://mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/High-Profile-Cases/27-CR-18-6859/OrderonConductatTrial032719.pdf\">order</a> stated that overflow seating will be available in another courtroom, where an audio feed of the proceedings will be played. But after media outcry, Quaintance issued an amended <a href=\"http://mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/High-Profile-Cases/27-CR-18-6859/AmendedOrderonConductatTrial032819.pdf\">order</a> the next day stating that a video feed would be available in that overflow courtroom as well.</p><p data-block-key=\"bjb5a\">Walker, the attorney for the media coalition, in a March 29 letter to Judge Ivy Bernhardson, the Chief Judge of Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District, asked that the trial be moved to a larger courtroom, or a second overflow room be reserved for media. “The Coalition is dismayed that, on the eve of trial, uncertainties remain about whether the press and public will be able to adequately monitor one of the highest profile trials the State of Minnesota has ever seen,” Walker wrote. In response, Judges Bernhardson and Quaintance on April 1 added seven more media seats to the existing courtroom, <a href=\"http://www.startribune.com/after-backlash-seven-new-seats-added-for-media-at-noor-trial/507977122/\">according</a> to the Star Tribune.</p><p data-block-key=\"hlmkw\">Quaintance’s order also banned all electronic or recording devices, including cellphones, tablets, and laptops, from the entire floor of the courthouse where the trial was taking place.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"imo94\">Mohamed Noor, far right, enters the courthouse with his attorneys ahead of the murder trial against the former Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer, charged in the 2017 fatal shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond.</p>",
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{
"title": "Texas law enforcement seizes gear from TV crew",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/texas-law-enforcement-seizes-gear-from-tv-crew/",
"first_published_at": "2025-02-26T17:10:13.504978Z",
"last_published_at": "2025-03-03T16:02:09.615419Z",
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"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"o9m89\">Law enforcement officials in Austin, Texas, briefly seized equipment belonging to the crew of reality TV show “Live PD” after the crew filmed the death of a man in custody on March 28, 2019, according to news reports and court documents reviewed by the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.</p><p data-block-key=\"cm35d\">“Live PD” parent company Big Fish Entertainment <a href=\"https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59770975/big-fish-entertainment-llc-v-williamson-county-sheriffs-office/\">sued</a> the City of Austin, Williamson County and 11 police officers on March 26, 2021, alleging violations of the First, Fourth and 14th amendments and the Privacy Protection Act in connection with the incident.</p><p data-block-key=\"d95va\">The reality show followed the activities of police officers across the U.S., with camera crews and producers embedded with patrols and riding along in police vehicles.</p><p data-block-key=\"fetu7\">On that day in 2019, producers and camera operators Colin Mika and Jeff Moriarty, along with associate producer Ruby Garson Tarzian, were riding in two separate squad cars — with GoPro cameras mounted on the windshields of each — when the Williamson County sheriff’s deputies began chasing Javier Ambler II after he allegedly failed to dim his headlights.</p><p data-block-key=\"51hg6\">After more than 20 minutes, Ambler’s car became disabled and officers tried to handcuff him, shocking him with Tasers four times. Mika and Moriarty got out of the squad cars and filmed the encounter with handheld cameras.</p><p data-block-key=\"3j10f\">Ambler, who was Black, repeatedly told officers he had congestive heart failure and could not breathe. He eventually became unconscious and was pronounced dead about an hour later.</p><p data-block-key=\"8cbbi\">In an <a href=\"https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txwd.1128115/gov.uscourts.txwd.1128115.8.0.pdf\">amended complaint</a> filed on April 23, 2021, the production company said that the crew stopped filming when Ambler became nonresponsive. Soon after, it added, officers from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and the Austin Police Department “took the extraordinary step of jointly seizing the production crew’s cameras and footage of the incident that the crew had left in WCSO squad cars.”</p><p data-block-key=\"bj1b3\">Mika kept his handheld camera with him, according to the complaint, but left his GoPro and other equipment in one of the sheriff’s vehicles. Moriarty’s handheld camera, GoPro and other equipment <a href=\"https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/texas-law-enforcement-seizes-cameras-equipment-from-tv-crew\">were also seized</a>, along with Tarzian’s personal belongings.</p><p data-block-key=\"5obkv\">The seizure took place in the absence of “a warrant, a subpoena, or even probable cause to believe that any of the Live PD crew had committed or was committing a criminal offense,” according to the complaint.</p><p data-block-key=\"bjanr\">The production company said that officers prevented the crew from retrieving their cameras from the squad cars because they considered the footage “to be evidence secured in the police custody.”</p><p data-block-key=\"64iu0\">After more than an hour, the crew was allowed to recover their equipment from the squad cars, and then they left the scene.</p><p data-block-key=\"a2kt2\">The next day, the crew sent the recordings to Big Fish’s editorial office in New York, which reviewed the footage and decided not to air it. The company noted in the complaint that it had anticipated that Texas officials would issue a court order for the video as part of a probe into Ambler’s death — and that they were prepared to provide it — but no one ever asked for it.</p><p data-block-key=\"48u1f\">The complaint said the footage was destroyed after 30 days in accordance with a clause in the show’s contract with Williamson County, <a href=\"https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2024/08/14/who-responsible-for-destruction-video-in-ambler-death-javier-chody-nassour-trial-tampering-live-pd/74771979007/\">reportedly added after Ambler’s death</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"fonbn\">In June 2020, the Austin American-Statesman and TV station KVUE published an <a href=\"https://www.statesman.com/story/lifestyle/public-safety/2020/06/08/austin-area-police-chase-ends-in-death-as-lsquolive-pdrsquo-cameras-roll/43273631/\">investigation</a> into Ambler’s death that made public the police body camera footage and other documents. That report came in the wake of widespread protests after the May 2020 killing in police custody of another Black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis.</p><p data-block-key=\"4q1mr\">Amid renewed scrutiny of the Ambler case, “Live PD” was accused by Texas officials of failing to cooperate with an official probe into the incident, including refusing to turn over the footage.</p><p data-block-key=\"fr0ag\">In the suit, Big Fish alleged that investigators made those allegations to cover up the fact that they failed to undertake a meaningful investigation into Ambler’s killing until June 2020. It also noted that the entire incident was captured on the officers’ body cameras and dashcams, duplicating the “Live PD” footage.</p><p data-block-key=\"bb5u\">The case was dismissed on Aug. 22, 2023, after the parties agreed in June 2021 to stay and abate the proceedings in light of “other pending proceedings related to the same subject matter.”</p><p data-block-key=\"8no8b\">It was not immediately clear what proceedings they were referring to. However, two former Williamson County officials <a href=\"https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2024/08/14/who-responsible-for-destruction-video-in-ambler-death-javier-chody-nassour-trial-tampering-live-pd/74771979007/\">went on trial</a> in August 2024 on charges of evidence tampering in the Ambler case; they were accused of taking steps to ensure that the “Live PD” footage was destroyed. The case was <a href=\"https://www.kxan.com/news/local/williamson-county/judge-grants-stay-in-tampering-case-against-former-sheriff-robert-chody-prosecutor/\">stayed</a> for an indefinite period later that month.</p><p data-block-key=\"8qkc8\">Williamson County’s Public Affairs Department declined to comment. The Austin Police Department, in an emailed statement, noted: “Litigation was dismissed without any findings or wrongdoing against the City or any settlement by the City.”</p><p data-block-key=\"fr91k\">Big Fish and its attorneys Elizabeth McNamara and David Gonzalez did not respond to emailed requests for comment.</p><p data-block-key=\"aud2l\"><i>Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include responses from Williamson County and the Austin Police Department.</i></p></div>",
"introduction": "",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"z36gw\">A portion of a complaint filed on March 26, 2021, by Big Fish Entertainment over the seizure of camera equipment and footage from the crew of its “Live PD” TV series after a police-related death in Austin, Texas, two years earlier.</p>",
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{
"title": "Texas law enforcement seizes cameras, equipment from TV crew",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/texas-law-enforcement-seizes-cameras-equipment-from-tv-crew/",
"first_published_at": "2025-02-26T17:12:34.188833Z",
"last_published_at": "2025-04-03T23:52:16.041988Z",
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"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"xprkl\">Law enforcement officials in Austin, Texas, briefly seized equipment belonging to the crew of reality TV show “Live PD” after the crew filmed the death of a man in custody on March 28, 2019, according to news reports and court documents reviewed by the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.</p><p data-block-key=\"3apao\">“Live PD” parent company Big Fish Entertainment <a href=\"https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59770975/big-fish-entertainment-llc-v-williamson-county-sheriffs-office/\">sued</a> the city of Austin, Williamson County and 11 police officers on March 26, 2021, alleging violations of the First, Fourth and 14th amendments and the Privacy Protection Act in connection with the incident.</p><p data-block-key=\"4lagf\">The reality show followed the activities of police officers across the U.S., with camera crews and producers embedded with patrols and riding along in police vehicles.</p><p data-block-key=\"afmfm\">On that day in 2019, producers and camera operators Jeff Moriarty and Colin Mika, along with associate producer Ruby Garson Tarzian, were riding in two separate squad cars — with GoPro cameras mounted on the windshields of each — when the Williamson County sheriff’s deputies began chasing Javier Ambler II after he allegedly failed to dim his headlights.</p><p data-block-key=\"3832u\">After more than 20 minutes, Ambler’s car became disabled and officers tried to handcuff him, shocking him with Tasers four times. Mika and Moriarty got out of the squad cars and filmed the encounter with handheld cameras.</p><p data-block-key=\"9i165\">Ambler, who was Black, repeatedly told officers he had congestive heart failure and could not breathe. He eventually became unconscious and was pronounced dead about an hour later.</p><p data-block-key=\"6l9k8\">In an <a href=\"https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txwd.1128115/gov.uscourts.txwd.1128115.8.0.pdf\">amended complaint</a> filed on April 23, 2021, the production company said that the crew stopped filming when Ambler became nonresponsive. Soon after, it added, officers from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and the Austin Police Department “took the extraordinary step of jointly seizing the production crew’s cameras and footage of the incident that the crew had left in WCSO squad cars.”</p><p data-block-key=\"17un8\">Moriarty placed his handheld camera along with his other equipment in a sheriff’s vehicle after officers began their investigation, according to the complaint, and they were seized along with his GoPro. Mika’s GoPro and camera equipment <a href=\"https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/texas-law-enforcement-seizes-gear-from-tv-crew\">were also seized</a>, along with Tarzian’s personal belongings.</p><p data-block-key=\"9fo34\">The seizure took place in the absence of “a warrant, a subpoena, or even probable cause to believe that any of the Live PD crew had committed or was committing a criminal offense,” according to the complaint.</p><p data-block-key=\"76vaq\">The production company said that officers prevented the crew from retrieving their cameras from the squad cars because they considered the footage “to be evidence secured in the police custody.”</p><p data-block-key=\"p7nm\">After more than an hour, the crew was allowed to recover their equipment from the squad cars, and then they left the scene.</p><p data-block-key=\"5th93\">The next day, the crew sent the recordings to Big Fish’s editorial office in New York, which reviewed the footage and decided not to air it. The company noted in the complaint that it had anticipated that Texas officials would issue a court order for the video as part of a probe into Ambler’s death — and that they were prepared to provide it — but no one ever asked for it.</p><p data-block-key=\"duj92\">The complaint said the footage was destroyed after 30 days in accordance with a clause in the show’s contract with Williamson County, <a href=\"https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2024/08/14/who-responsible-for-destruction-video-in-ambler-death-javier-chody-nassour-trial-tampering-live-pd/74771979007/\">reportedly added after Ambler’s death</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"4225n\">In June 2020, the Austin American-Statesman and TV station KVUE published an <a href=\"https://www.statesman.com/story/lifestyle/public-safety/2020/06/08/austin-area-police-chase-ends-in-death-as-lsquolive-pdrsquo-cameras-roll/43273631/\">investigation</a> into Ambler’s death that made public the police body camera footage and other documents. That report came in the wake of widespread protests after the May 2020 killing in police custody of another Black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis.</p><p data-block-key=\"ef084\">Amid renewed scrutiny of the Ambler case, “Live PD” was accused by Texas officials of failing to cooperate with an official probe into the incident, including refusing to turn over the footage.</p><p data-block-key=\"12jim\">In the suit, Big Fish alleged that investigators made those allegations to cover up the fact that they failed to undertake a meaningful investigation into Ambler’s killing until June 2020. It also noted that the entire incident was captured on the officers’ body cameras and dashcams, duplicating the “Live PD” footage.</p><p data-block-key=\"atang\">The case was dismissed on Aug. 22, 2023, after the parties agreed in June 2021 to stay and abate the proceedings in light of “other pending proceedings related to the same subject matter.”</p><p data-block-key=\"6q638\">It was not immediately clear what proceedings they were referring to. However, two former Williamson County officials <a href=\"https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2024/08/14/who-responsible-for-destruction-video-in-ambler-death-javier-chody-nassour-trial-tampering-live-pd/74771979007/\">went on trial</a> in August 2024 on charges of evidence tampering in the Ambler case; they were accused of taking steps to ensure that the “Live PD” footage was destroyed. The case was <a href=\"https://www.kxan.com/news/local/williamson-county/judge-grants-stay-in-tampering-case-against-former-sheriff-robert-chody-prosecutor/\">stayed</a> for an indefinite period later that month.</p><p data-block-key=\"doijb\">Williamson County’s Public Affairs Department declined to comment. The Austin Police Department, in an emailed statement, noted: “Litigation was dismissed without any findings or wrongdoing against the City or any settlement by the City.”</p><p data-block-key=\"1agrp\">Big Fish and its attorneys Elizabeth McNamara and David Gonzalez did not respond to emailed requests for comment.</p><p data-block-key=\"e0v6p\"><i>Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include responses from Williamson County and the Austin Police Department.</i></p></div>",
"introduction": "",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"qlwb4\">A portion of a complaint filed on March 26, 2021, by Big Fish Entertainment over the seizure of camera equipment and footage from the crew of its “Live PD” TV series after a police-related death in Austin, Texas, two years earlier.</p>",
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{
"title": "New York County Supreme Court judge quashes subpoena for HBO documentary outtakes",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/new-york-county-supreme-court-judge-quashes-subpoena-hbo-documentary-outtakes/",
"first_published_at": "2019-06-07T20:30:15.035851Z",
"last_published_at": "2023-04-03T15:44:24.443814Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2023-04-03T15:44:24.344123Z",
"date": "2019-03-27",
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"city": "New York",
"longitude": -74.00597,
"latitude": 40.71427,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"u4qjf\">New York County Supreme Court Judge Carol Edmead quashed a subpoena for outtakes from the HBO documentary “Rock and a Hard Place” on June 5, 2019, citing New York’s shield law.</p><p data-block-key=\"qior9\">Christy Laster, a former correctional officer who appeared in the documentary, stands charged of bribery, grand theft and extortion, but alleged the footage she sought through the subpoena would exonerate her, <a href=\"http://nycourts.gov/reporter/3dseries/2019/2019_29164.htm\">according to the ruling</a>. Laster argued that because Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson appeared in and produced the documentary, it was rendered a “celebrity reality TV show” and therefore would not be protected under the statute.</p><p data-block-key=\"9ib7p\">Edmead dismissed this categorization, <a href=\"http://nycourts.gov/reporter/3dseries/2019/2019_29164.htm\">writing in her decision</a> that Laster “cites no authority for the notion that the mere involvement of a celebrity in a project renders it somehow incapable of being classified as a documentary, or that a celebrity known for other endeavors cannot be deemed a ‘journalist’ under the [shield law].”</p><p data-block-key=\"b0uju\">In addition to his credit as an executive producer for “Rock and a Hard Place,” Johnson was the executive producer of the episode “Stand Your Ground” in the “Finding Justice” series and of the feature documentary “Racing Dreams.”</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
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"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"8hpxs\">The New York County Supreme Court ruled that the state’s shield law applies to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in his role producing the 2017 documentary film, “Rock and a Hard Place.”</p>",
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{
"title": "Reporter assaulted by heavyweight boxer during on-camera interview",
"url": "https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/reporter-assaulted-heavyweight-boxer-during-camera-interview/",
"first_published_at": "2019-07-25T20:42:37.653895Z",
"last_published_at": "2024-01-17T21:36:54.506959Z",
"latest_revision_created_at": "2024-01-17T21:36:54.423054Z",
"date": "2019-03-23",
"exact_date_unknown": false,
"city": "Costa Mesa",
"longitude": -117.91867,
"latitude": 33.64113,
"body": "<div class=\"block-rich_text\"><p data-block-key=\"cgcaw\">A heavyweight boxer forced a kiss on a reporter during an on-camera interview following a match in Costa Mesa, California, on March 23, 2019.</p><p data-block-key=\"hp50s\">Jennifer Ravalo, a Vegas Sports Daily contributor and web host who uses the byline <a href=\"http://vegassportsdaily.com/author/jenny/\">Jennifer SuShe</a>, was conducting a video interview following Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev’s knockout victory when he grabbed her face, reached around her back and kissed her on the lips.</p><p data-block-key=\"ob93t\">In the <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE05akv_k08\">video of the incident</a>, Ravalo initially appears to laugh it off, saying, “All right, thank you,” as Pulev walks away. Ravalo later lodged a complaint with the California State Athletic Commission asserting that the kiss was without her consent and unwelcome. Ravalo also said Pulev sexually harassed her a second time, moments after the interview.</p><p data-block-key=\"myfsq\">“I was immediately shocked and embarrassed, and didn’t know how to respond,” Ravalo said while reading from a prepared statement at a <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/gloriaallred/videos/10157199305955879/\">press conference</a> following the incident. “Next, I walked to the table to put my items in my backpack. He grabbed both of my buttocks and squeezed with both of his hands. Then he walked away without saying anything to me and laughed.”</p><p data-block-key=\"sfyr4\">The commission suspended Pulev’s boxing license for six months in May, the New York Daily News <a href=\"https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-boxer-can-return-to-ring-after-kissing-reporter-without-consent-20190722-4dyov36lp5gfpn7chnamzrwagy-story.html\">reported</a>, citing him for violating rules prohibiting conduct considered a “discredit to boxing.” Pulev was also fined $2,500 and ordered to attended a sexual harassment awareness course.</p><p data-block-key=\"svvv7\">On July 22, the commission voted unanimously to lift the suspension on Pulev with the caveat that another violation could result in a lifetime suspension.</p><p data-block-key=\"axx8u\">“It’s disappointing he didn’t do the full six months,” Ravalo said. “I don’t know if he’s really sorry. I won’t know until I see how he acts.”</p><p data-block-key=\"0eutb\">Attorney Gloria Allred, who is representing Ravalo, has also spoken out against comments made by Pulev’s promoter, Bob Arum, Reuters <a href=\"https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-boxing-pulev/california-boxing-license-returned-to-bulgarian-athlete-who-forcibly-kissed-reporter-idUSKCN1UI03U\">reported</a>. In an <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhaOuVwIQyg&feature=youtu.be\">interview on iFL TV</a> posted to YouTube on June 15, Arum claimed that Ravalo had been “fooling around” with Pulev ahead of the fight in March and that Pulev’s suspension was “totally crazy” as he “did nothing wrong.”</p><p data-block-key=\"z02xn\">Allred called the statement “blatantly false,” pointing to the fact that both Pulev and Ravalo testified before the commission that they first met at the weigh-in the day before the fight, The Washington Post <a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/07/23/boxer-who-kissed-female-reporter-ring-can-fight-again-says-it-was-my-mistake/?utm_term=.b48648d763e1\">reported</a>.</p><p data-block-key=\"lrl3u\">Ravalo <a href=\"https://www.kpbs.org/news/2019/jul/23/boxing-license-reinstated-for-fighter-who-forced/\">told KPBS</a> that the incident and subsequent fallout has negatively impacted her career. Arum and his promotion company, which represents almost 100 boxers, will not allow her to cover their events and some boxers have been standoffish about providing interviews, she said.</p></div>",
"introduction": "",
"teaser": "",
"teaser_image": "https://media.pressfreedomtracker.us/media/images/RTX3FP0J.2e16d0ba.fill-1330x880.jpg",
"primary_video": null,
"image_caption": "<p data-block-key=\"z2mza\">The California State Athletic Commission recently reinstated the boxing license of Kubrat Pulev, seen here at a 2017 press conference, following his suspension for forcibly kissing and groping a reporter.</p>",
"arresting_authority": null,
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"assailant": "public figure",
"was_journalist_targeted": "yes",
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"links": [],
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"state": {
"name": "California",
"abbreviation": "CA"
},
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"tags": [
"sexual assault"
],
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"categories": [
"Assault"
],
"targeted_journalists": [
"Jennifer Ravalo (Vegas Sports Daily)"
],
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}
]
