America’s “free press” feels a surge of cold air:
Lt. Ehren Watada, for those who don’t already know, became the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse deployment to the unlawful war and occupation in Iraq. While doing this on June 22, 2006, Watada said, “As the order to take part in an illegal act is ultimately unlawful as well, I must refuse that order.”
Despite the fact that independent journalist Sarah Olson’s reporting of Lt. Watada’s statements are publicly available, the U.S. Army has subpoenaed her to testify in the court-martial of Lt. Ehren Watada.
Even though Dahr Jamail simply transcribed and published one of Ehren Watada’s speeches – which was recorded and available anyway – Dahr Jamail has been placed on the witness list and may also be forced to appear.
This interview with Jamail and Olson explains why such moves are a worrying trend for independent journalism (besides, truly ethical journalists would assist anybody refusing to fight an illegal war.)