More than 45 orgs call to drop charges against Asheville journalists
SCREENSHOT
The convictions of two journalists damage press freedom in North Carolina and nationwide.
Two Asheville Blade reporters, Veronica Coit and Matilda Bliss, were convicted of trespassing for reporting on a protest and police sweep of a homeless encampment on Christmas night of 2021.
Journalists should not be prosecuted for doing their jobs. Coit and Bliss have appealed their convictions and filed a separate lawsuit against the city and police challenging their unlawful arrests. North Carolina courts and lawmakers must make clear that journalists have a First Amendment right to cover public protests and police activity.
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