Serious threats to press freedom: NYT on Judge's order banning it from publishing some material

Washington: The New York Times termed the decision of a trial judge in Westchester County Supreme Court temporarily prohibiting it from publishing some materials concerning the rightwing activist group Project Veritas, a violation of first amendment constitutional protections.

In a statement Dean Baquet, the Times's executive editor said that Justice Charles Wood's ruling is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent. The judge is also expected to pronounce a longer prohibition of the material in the next hearing on Tuesday.

Baquet statement further read that "the supreme court made that clear in the Pentagon Papers case, a landmark ruling against prior restraint blocking the publication of newsworthy journalism. That principle clearly applies here. We are seeking an immediate review of this decision."

"When a court silences journalism, it fails its citizens and undermines their right to know," he added.

Responding to the court's direction, Bruce Brown, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press said that prior restraint is among the most serious threats to press freedom. He called the order an outrageous affront to the first amendment and urged the appeal court to vacate Wood's order if the judge does not.

Project Veritas has also been involved in a Department of Justice investigation into its possible role in the reported theft of a diary from Joe Biden's daughter, Ashley.