NABJ-Chicago is dismayed and outraged by the federal arrest of independent journalist Don Lemon and NABJ Minnesota Vice President Georgia Fort., Both journalists were taken into custody in connection with their coverage of a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, despite, in Lemon’s case, a magistrate judge and appellate court rejecting the case for lack of probable cause and sufficient evidence. These arrests represent an unprecedented assault on the free press and the constitutional rights that protect journalists reporting on community demonstrations and actions by federal law enforcement.
Journalists have the right to cover protests and other events of public interest, a right grounded in the very ideals America was founded on. This is non-negotiable. NABJ-Chicago stands firmly with all journalists and their constitutional protections. We call for the immediate release of Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, and for all charges against them to be withdrawn. Our organization will continue to defend press freedom and the First Amendment, and are prepared to defend out local members who face similar threats on their rights.
NABJ-Chicago Board of Directors