Posted on 07/24/2008 12:07:42 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
Judge Withdraws Threat as Reporter Pleads the 5th In Spy Leak Probe
By JOSH GERSTEIN, Staff Reporter of the Sun | July 24, 2008
SANTA ANA, Calif. — A federal judge withdrew his threat to order a prominent reporter on the national security beat to identify his confidential sources after the journalist took the Fifth Amendment in a surprise-filled hearing here this morning.
Judge Cormac Carney excused William Gertz of the Washington Times from further proceedings here after he repeatedly invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination in response to questions from the judge and a defense attorney. Mr. Gertz's refusal came after a federal prosecutor advised the journalist's lawyers that he would be called before a grand jury investigating leaks of classified information.
(Excerpt) Read more at nysun.com ...
Which is exactly what Scooter Libby should have done.
When a prosecutor sets a perjury trap, it's a bad idea to play along.
so he did not fall for a perjury trap. This is good.
The question remains whether or not there was a criminal leak of information. There is no first amendment to leak secrets.
Present day reporters think it would be first amendment ok to have leaked the d-day invasion.
If so, why the heck is Justice going after him now?
Perhaps they want to rattle Mr. Gertz' cage.
William Gertz is a good guy. His “leak” was that the Red Chinese are spying here and bribing here to learn our national secrets. Some Pollyannas in the Defense and State Department think otherwise.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.