The New York Times (NYT) has filed a lawsuit in the District Court of Washington, challenging the new Pentagon rules that impose restrictions on journalists' activities. According to NYT, these rules, which came into effect in October, limit reporters' ability to ask questions of government employees and gather information, thus violating the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Reporters are required to sign a 21-page form, and failure to comply with these rules can lead to the loss of press credentials.
NYT argues that any information not approved by Pentagon officials can attract penalties, regardless of the nature of the information. The lawsuit seeks a court ruling to stop the enforcement of these rules, deeming them illegal in the context of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. Many media organizations have condemned these restrictions, stating that they threaten fundamental journalistic protections. Additionally, some journalists have given up their credentials in protest, continuing to report on military activities despite the imposed limitations.
Sources