Video clips from the press conference held to discuss the U.S. military decision to drop
its subpoena against Olson at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on February 1, 2007.
A Victory for Press Freedom
On January 29 — just six days after the public launch of the Defend the Press campaign — the U.S. military
agreed to drop two charges that carried a maximum of two years in prison against Army 1st Lt.
Ehren Watada. As part of the agreement,
Sarah Olson and Gregg Kakesako — two reporters who had been issued subpoenas to appear before the
court-martial — will not have to testify.
"This is obviously a great victory for the principles of a free press that are so essential to this nation," said
Sarah Olson. "Personally, I am pleased that the Army no longer seeks my participation in their prosecution of
Lieutenant Watada. Far more importantly, this should be seen as a victory for the rights of journalists
in the U.S. to gather and disseminate news free from government intervention, and for the rights of individuals
to express personal, political opinions to journalists without fear of retribution or censure. I am glad the
growing number of dissenting voices within the military will retain their rights to speak with reporters.
But I note with concern, that Lt. Watada still faces prosecution for exercising his First Amendment rights
during public presentations. The preservation of these rights clearly requires vigilance. Journalists are
subpoenaed with an alarming frequency, and when they do not cooperate they are sometimes imprisoned.
Videographer Josh Wolf has languished
in federal prison for over 160 days after refusing to give federal grand jury investigators his unpublished
video out takes. It is clear that we must continue to demand that the separation between press and government
be strong, and that the press be a platform for all perspectives, regardless of their popularity with the
current administration."
If you were one of the thousands of people who sent emails to military officials and members of Congress in
this campaign, thank you for your part in this victory. We hope that we can count on your support again when
freedom of the press comes under attack.
“Journalists should never participate in the prosecution of political speech!”
Journalist Sarah Olson
Tell the U.S. Military to Dismiss the Subpoena of Journalist Sarah Olson
Stand up for a free press — send letters to Lt. Gen. James M. Dubik and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. Take action now — the military trial starts February 5.
Sarah Olson is a journalist who published an exclusive interview with Army 1st Lt. Ehren Watada, the highest-ranking member of the military to refuse to deploy to Iraq. Now, the Army wants Olson to be their witness in the lieutenant’s upcoming court martial. The Army is trying to turn speaking to the press into a crime — and wants to have a reporter participate in the prosecution of political speech.
Hauling journalists like Sarah Olson in front of a military court to testify against their sources silences debate, and creates a chilling effect on reporters willing to write the tough stories.
Journalists should not have to deal with potential fines, legal bills and jail time for serving the public interest.
LA Times Editorial: Military Injustice
Army prosecutors are going too far in trying to conscript reporters to boost their case in a soldier's court-martial
ARMY 1ST LT. EHREN WATADA may or may not have a good claim for conscientious objector status. It makes sense for the Army to prosecute [Lt. Ehren Watada] for refusing orders to deploy to Iraq last June ... But Army lawyers are overreaching when they try to prosecute their case by drafting reporters ...
It's egregious enough when U.S. attorneys subpoena journalists, which is happening at an alarmingly increasing rate (illustrating the need for a national shield law). But there is something especially chilling about the U.S. military reaching beyond its traditional authority to compel a non-military U.S. citizen engaged in news-gathering to testify in a military court, simply to bolster a court-martial case. There is no security interest at stake, and no matter of national urgency.
The Army can make its case against Watada without pestering civilian journalists. Sustaining the military subpoena would set a troubling precedent. It's time for the Army to back off.
Military Shouldn't Force Press to Testify Against Political Speech
Journalists should report news, not be forced to participate in government prosecutions — especially prosecutions seeking to criminalize political speech.
Subpoenaing journalists to participate in government prosecutions erodes the necessary separation between press and state and threatens to turn journalists into an investigative tool for the government.
Hauling journalists in front of a military court to testify against their sources imposes a chilling effect on reporters willing to write tough stories, and silences dissenting and minority voices.
Debate is the lifeblood of democracy and free exchange of information and ideas are in the public’s best interest. They are the heart of our democracy, and the foundation of our Constitution.
