In a startling incident that has raised concerns about press freedom, a New Orleans court deputy who handcuffed journalists covering the indictment of Louisiana's attorney general has been disciplined for violating etiquette. The deputy, Herschel Green, was ordered to undergo counseling after an argument with the court's judicial administrator, according to a 33-page internal agency report released on Friday.
Incident Details: Handcuffing of Journalists
The incident occurred during the July indictment of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. WWL Louisiana investigative producer Danny Monteverde and station attorney Elana Beiser were among numerous media and legal representatives present at the New Orleans criminal courthouse. Deputy Green and his colleague Diedra Rayfield placed both Monteverde and Beiser in handcuffs, an action that the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press condemned as "outrageous."
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Disciplinary Action and Findings
The sheriff's office investigation revealed deficiencies in operational planning, communication, training supervision, and media management. However, Deputy Green's discipline was specifically for an argument with the facility's judicial administrator that day, not directly for the handcuffing. He was ordered to undergo counseling for breaching the employer's professionalism policy.
Comparison of Responses to the Incident
| Entity | Response |
|---|---|
| New Orleans Sheriff's Office | Internal investigation, discipline for argument, recommendations for training |
| Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press | Condemned handcuffing as "outrageous" |
| Public | Concerns over press freedom and First Amendment rights |
Key Takeaways
- Deputy Herschel Green was disciplined for an argument, not the handcuffing itself.
- The investigation found deficiencies in planning, communication, and media management.
- Press freedom advocates condemned the handcuffing as outrageous.
- The incident highlights tensions between law enforcement and the media.
Implications for Press Freedom
This incident underscores the challenges journalists face when covering sensitive legal proceedings. The handcuffing of reporters is a serious breach of press freedom and raises questions about the treatment of media personnel in courtrooms. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has called for greater protections for journalists.
FAQ
Why were the journalists handcuffed?
The exact reason remains unclear, but the incident occurred during the chaotic circumstances surrounding the indictment of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. The deputy involved was disciplined for an argument with the judicial administrator, not directly for the handcuffing.
What disciplinary action was taken against the deputy?
Deputy Herschel Green was ordered to undergo counseling for breaching the professionalism policy due to an argument with the judicial administrator. The handcuffing itself did not result in direct discipline.
What does this mean for press freedom?
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the media. It raises concerns about the treatment of journalists covering legal proceedings and may lead to calls for better protections and training.
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