OSCE Representative welcomes U.S. authorities’ decision to not call New York Times reporter as witness

VIENNA, 15 January 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today said the decision not requiring New York Times reporter James Risen to testify at a trial was a victory for investigative journalism and the protection of confidential sources.

Risen said he would refuse to testify at the trial of Jeffrey Sterling, an official of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), who is charged with disclosing government secrets. Justice Department officials believe Sterling was a source for a 2006 book by Risen on clandestine government activity. Risen would face imprisonment for refusing to testify.

“This is an important decision and good news for journalists,” Mijatović said. “However, I believe it is time for U.S. journalists to have the statutory protection of a shield law so they do not have to face the ordeal of revealing identities.”

Risen had been interrogated by government lawyers and was subpoenaed to testify in the trial but Justice Department officials announced on 12 January they would not call Risen as a witness, ending a seven-year legal battle over his testimony.

The Representative’s earlier statements on the Risen case are available at www.osce.org/fom/104429, www.osce.org/fom/103842 and www.osce.org/fom/102051.  

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.