Decision to Drop Remaining Charges Against “J20” Protesters an Overdue but Important Victory for Right to Protest
On Friday July 6, federal prosecutors dropped felony charges against the final 38 defendants arrested following the 2017 Inauguration Day protests, or “J20” protests. More
Murder in American Newsroom Sends Shockwaves through our Country
"Word that dedicated journalists, editors, and staff were killed and wounded while at work in a community newsroom sends shockwaves through our country." More
Reality Winner Plea Deal Underscores Need to Reform Espionage Act
“Reality Winner’s unauthorized disclosure provided Americans with vital information related to national security: evidence that a foreign power had attempted to hack into a state election system.” More
Supreme Court’s Decision on Travel Ban Deals Blow to Exchange of Cultures and Ideas
"Open discourse, including the right to in-person exchange, is protected by the First Amendment and is a potent catalyst for cross-cultural understanding, international cooperation, and global progress." More
Bipartisan Support for Oleg Sentsov’s Release Comes as Hunger Strike Approaches 40th Day
“We are heartened by bipartisan support from Senators Roger Wicker (R-MI) and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) for Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov." More
US Withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council Cedes Leadership on Human Rights to “Cynics and Subverters”
"For the U.S. to quit now is to abdicate American leadership on free expression and human rights worldwide, ceding the playing field to the cynics and the subverters." More
Press and Free Speech Groups Question Raid on Reporter’s Records in Letter to Attorney General
“That there has been no clarity from the Justice Department on other avenues of investigation pursued before Watkins’ records were seized, a move their own guidelines describe as a… More
FBI’s Seizure of Journalist’s Records a Troubling Step Requiring Government Explanation
“The fact that the FBI seized a journalists’ personal and professional phone and email records going back years, will cast an inevitable chill on newsgathering at a time when… More
Supreme Court’s Ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case Does Not Give a License to Discriminate
"As a literary organization, we are acutely sensitive to infringements on artistic freedom. However, we also recognize that anti-discrimination laws are necessary and important to ensure that all people… More
Maryland’s New Prison Policy on Access to Literature a Step in the Wrong Direction
"As a result of this policy, thousands of people in prison now have their access to reading and educational materials primarily dictated by the offerings of just two companies.… More