Leggett, jailed on July 20 last year, was freed when the federal grand jury that demanded her research notes ended its term on January 3, thus vacating the court order she be held in jail for contempt - a legal decision designed to require a person to act rather than to punish.
IAPA President Robert J. Cox said that "we are delighted at the release of Leggett, who throughout her ordeal maintained a posture of dignity and observance of professional confidentiality." He added that however "no journalist or independent writer should be jailed for refusing to reveal his or her news sources, much less for a prolonged period as in Leggetts case."
Cox, assistant editor of The Post and Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, expressed the IAPAs concern that Leggett might face jail again when a new federal grand jury is empanelled. "Such a situation would set a terrible precedent for free speech and press freedom in this country," he declared. "The courts should apply the guarantees enshrined in the First Amendment."
He added that the IAPA would continue to closely
monitor developments in the case.
FUENTE: nota.texto7
