Freedom of speech on trial
As I predicted in my blog on Monday, a US court today jailed New York Times journalist Judith Miller for refusing to testify in an investigation into the unmasking of a CIA agent in 2003.
The leaking of Valerie Plame's name was a federal offence, yet the name came from someone inside the B*sh camp - probably Karl Rove.
Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald is investigating who leaked the name during a row over evidence used to justify war in Iraq. He had argued last week that both journalists, who had looked into the leak, should be jailed for their refusal to reveal their sources.
Simple fact, people : journalists must be allowed to keep sources confidential in order to preserve freedom of the press. By jailing Miller, the US government has effectively drawn a line in the sand on the issue of free speech. Say what you like, but make sure you say what the government want.
1984.
The leaking of Valerie Plame's name was a federal offence, yet the name came from someone inside the B*sh camp - probably Karl Rove.
Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald is investigating who leaked the name during a row over evidence used to justify war in Iraq. He had argued last week that both journalists, who had looked into the leak, should be jailed for their refusal to reveal their sources.
Simple fact, people : journalists must be allowed to keep sources confidential in order to preserve freedom of the press. By jailing Miller, the US government has effectively drawn a line in the sand on the issue of free speech. Say what you like, but make sure you say what the government want.
1984.
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