(WASHINGTON) – PEN America is alarmed over a congressional subpoena targeting investigative journalist Seth Harp, who was wrongly accused of “leaking classified intel” and “doxxing” a Delta Force member in a post on the X social media platform. The free expression group warned today that bringing journalists before Congress for their reporting undermines the role of a free press. The soldier in question was part of the recent military operation in Venezuela.
“Any attempt to haul an investigative reporter before Congress for doing their job reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a free press. Seth Harp is an independent journalist, not a government official, and therefore cannot be accused of ‘leaking’ classified information in the way those entrusted with such material can. The information at issue was publicly available, not secret or unlawfully obtained,” said Tim Richardson, journalism and disinformation program director at PEN America. “This congressional subpoena follows a familiar playbook: using government tools to intimidate reporters and deter coverage that officials don’t like. We stand with Seth Harp and his First Amendment right to publish information of clear public interest on perhaps the world’s most newsworthy story.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057