Courtesy Joseph Rushmore
Too often, police arrest journalists for doing their jobs. These arrests and prosecutions chill important reporting.
Arrests and prosecutions of journalists often violate the First Amendment, and they undermine the public’s right to learn about newsworthy events.
Data from the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker shows that journalists are at heightened risk of arrest while covering protests. But police have also arrested reporters just for gathering news or asking questions. Journalists should never be arrested for doing their jobs.
Featured Items
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Mohawk journalist's arrest violates Constitution his ancestors inspired
My ordeal as a Mohawk reporter: New York won't silence my voice or steal our land
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Not in Kansas anymore: Alabama press violations echo earlier attack
Officials who orchestrate retaliatory schemes against local news outlets like the Atmore News must be held accountable
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Cases dropped against reporters arrested for covering protests
At least three journalists recently saw unconstitutional charges against them dismissed. It’s progress, but it’s not enough
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Four more years … of government secrecy?
How secretive would a second Trump or a Harris administration be? And how much could either presidential candidate rein in the government’s sprawling secrecy system if they wanted to?
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Prosecutors must drop case against Indian Time journalist
Rights organizations demand St. Lawrence County DA drop case against journalist arrested while covering protest
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Meet our new website
This week, Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) unveiled a new website that reflects our commitment to action-based advocacy for press freedom.
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Israel’s detainment of reporters must stop
The U.S. should not only demand its ally explain the arrest of an American journalist, but pressure it to release the 43 Palestinian journalists who remain in custody if it can’t prove they committed a crime.
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Heed DOJ guidance – drop cases against journalists
Prosecutors nationwide are pursuing unconstitutional charges against journalists for failing to comply with illegal dispersal orders
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Texas authorities extort journalist with his own equipment
Court states the obvious: Citizen journalists have the same First Amendment rights as any other journalists
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California officials must let journalists cover encampment sweeps
Threats to arrest journalists are the latest in a long line of egregious press freedom violations in the Golden State