WASHINGTON, Dec 5: The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of War over a new press policy that bars journalists from publishing any information not approved by the government for release/
“Plaintiffs The New York Times Company (‘The New York Times’ or the ‘The Times’) and its reporter Julian E. Barnes (‘Barnes’) bring this action to enjoin provisions of a recently implemented policy of the United States Department of Defence or Department of War (‘Department’ or ‘Pentagon’),” the newspaper’s complaint said.
The lawsuit argues that the Pentagon’s new press rules violate the First and Fifth Amendments by restricting press freedom and depriving the newspaper of due process rights.
The newspaper is requesting that the court remove the parts of the policy it says are unconstitutional.
Since October, the Pentagon has been implementing new rules that have significantly impacted journalists’ access and reporting requirements. More specifically, the policy restricts unescorted movement within the building and mandates prior authorisation for publishing unclassified information.
CNN, along with ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, and Fox News, issued a joint statement condemning the new rules and announced their refusal to accept the revised access guidelines.
Consequently, nearly all journalists covering the Pentagon were seen leaving the building with their belongings later in October.
— BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI