The Washington Post reported that the Justice Department had planned to force reporters to testify before a federal grand jury but withdrew subpoenas after they were challenged by the paper. The Post’s reporter, Ellen Nakashima, had received a grand jury subpoena related to sensitive reporting about a national security matter.

First Amendment Rights

A Washington Post spokesperson stated that the subpoena was a clear violation of constitutionally guaranteed press freedom and that the paper will continue to stand behind the journalism of The Washington Post and fight all efforts by any administration that violate their First Amendment rights.

The Post’s Executive Editor, Matt Murray, addressed the ordeal with Post employees, reiterating the paper’s unwavering support for the First Amendment rights enshrined in the constitution and the legal protections afforded journalists.

The Justice Department also withdrew subpoenas for three Wall Street Journal journalists who report on national security. None of the journalists testified before the grand jury.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.