DOJ Lawyers Refuse to Document Communications in Journalist Prosecution Case
The New Republic reports that Department of Justice lawyers are refusing to put certain information in writing, fearing it could be used against them in court. This stems from the prosecution of journalists Georgia Ellyse Fort, Don Lemon, and Michael Beute for covering an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota. Fort faces three felonies including a hate crime. Her defense counsel accuses the government of spying, and a judge has barred the use of toll records and cell phone simulators linked to Fort. A Homeland Security Investigations agent allegedly used customs summonses to obtain information about Fort. In a letter to prosecutors, Fort's lawyers noted that DOJ lawyer Ned Hedley indicated the government would not respond in writing out of concern that representations could be presented to the court. The article suggests this behavior indicates the Trump administration may be trying to hide potentially illegal activities, undermining the government's case.
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