New York Times says Pentagon flouting judge's order on access
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The Pentagon has defied a federal court order blocking enforcement of a policy restricting news reporters' access to its headquarters, prompting The New York Times to seek judicial enforcement of the order.
- U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ruled earlier that the Pentagon's credential policy violated journalists' constitutional rights and ordered reinstatement of press credentials, but the Pentagon issued a revised policy imposing new restrictions.
- The Times alleges the Pentagon's revised "interim" policy circumvents the court's ruling by limiting reporters' access inside the building and restricting anonymity rules, while the Pentagon claims it is in full compliance.
- Reporters face practical barriers under the new policy, such as limited access to the Pentagon library press area only via unauthorized corridors or shuttles, leading the judge to question the Pentagon's approach.
- The Pentagon Press Association criticized the interim policy for further limiting reporters' ability to work inside the Pentagon, with many mainstream outlets continuing to oppose the restrictions and report independently.
