A New York Times journalist vowed Thursday to "keep fighting" to protect his source in a leak investigation, as supporters announced 100,000 people signed a petition in his defence. Reporter James Risen, who faces jail for refusing to reveal his source for leaks about the CIA, spoke at a news conference organized by several press freedom organisations to rally support for his cause.
"I know really it's not about me. It's about basic issues that affect journalism and all Americans," Risen said. "What I can say now is that with all these people showing support I'm willing to keep fighting." Risen said he was maintaining his stand "for the future of journalism, and added, "I want to make sure the same protections I had in my career are there for the future reporters of America."
Supporters said more than 100,000 people had signed an online petition delivered to the US Justice Department calling for an end to the prosecution. "Your effort to compel New York Times reporter James Risen to reveal his sources is an assault on freedom of the press," the petition said. "Without confidentiality, journalism would be reduced to official stories - a situation antithetical to the (constitution's) First Amendment. We urge you in the strongest terms to halt all legal action against Mr. Risen and to safeguard the freedom of journalists to maintain the confidentiality of their sources."
Courtney Radsch of the Committee to Protect Journalists said the effort to prosecute Risen "has a serious chilling effect on the press" and erodes US moral authority abroad. "These type of aggressive prosecutions send a dangerous signal to governments elsewhere that would seek to use national security and antistate charges as a cover to crack down on press freedom," she told the news conference.