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A media rights advocacy organization has condemned the detention of a New Orleans journalist and attorney who were handcuffed while covering court proceedings involving Louisiana’s state attorney general in July. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press characterized the incident as “outrageous” and argued it sends a troubling signal to journalists and the public about accessing courtroom proceedings.
The detention occurred when investigative producer Danny Monteverde and attorney Elana Beiser attempted to object to a judge’s decision to close the courtroom during grand jury proceedings against Attorney General Liz Murrill. The case ultimately resulted in the charges being dismissed. In a formal letter to the courthouse, the advocacy group’s attorney argued that court officials had no valid justification for restricting access and that detaining members of the press exercising their constitutional rights was inexcusable.
The incident stems from ongoing political conflict in Louisiana between Republican state officials and New Orleans Democrats over legislation that eliminated an elected court clerk position. The state attorney general had previously issued letters to New Orleans officials warning of potential sanctions, which prompted a grand jury indictment against her on charges of intimidation and malfeasance. The media rights organization offered to provide training to courthouse staff on the importance and legality of public access to judicial proceedings.
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Originally reported by Theguardian →
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