2023-08-16 20:27:02
A raid on the editorial offices of a newspaper in the US state of Kansas has sparked outrage in the US and sparked a debate regarding press freedom. Today, local prosecutor Joel Ensey decided to withdraw the search warrant and return the confiscated items to their owners. The US media reported, citing the responsible investigative authority.
On Friday, officers searched the Marion County Records premises and the publisher’s home. Computers and cell phones were confiscated. According to prosecutor Ensey, there was reason to believe that an employee of the newspaper might have committed illegal activities. However, closer examination revealed that there was not enough evidence.
After the raid, the newspaper’s editor, Eric Meyer, said the search warrant might be related to an article regarding a local businessman. According to authorities, it was regarding identity theft. The investigation will continue.
Open letter from 34 organizations
The incident has sparked widespread outrage in the US media and concerns regarding press freedom in the country. “Searches and seizures of newsrooms are among the most invasive measures law enforcement agencies can take in relation to the free press,” said an open letter from 34 media organizations to the local police chief.
The White House also commented on the incident. One does not want to anticipate the legal process, but the raid is cause for concern, spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said in Washington. Freedom of the press is a fundamental value of democracy. The administration of US President Joe Biden will “continue to affirm and protect this fundamental right enshrined in the very First Amendment,” emphasized the spokeswoman.
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