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Journalist Catherine Herridge Held in Contempt for Refusing to Reveal Source in Washington, D.C.
By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER (Associated Press)
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has taken a bold step by holding veteran investigative reporter Catherine Herridge in civil contempt for her refusal to disclose her source for a series of Fox News stories. The stories in question revolve around a Chinese American scientist who was investigated by the FBI but never faced any charges.
Fine Imposed on Herridge
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper imposed a fine of $800 per day until Herridge reveals her source. However, the fine will not take effect immediately to allow her time to appeal the decision. Judge Cooper emphasized the importance of a free press in society but also highlighted the court’s role in upholding the law and safeguarding judicial authority.
Reaction from Fox News
Fox News expressed concerns over the decision, stating that holding a journalist in contempt for protecting a confidential source could have a chilling effect on journalism. The network remains committed to defending the rights of a free press and freedom of speech and believes that the decision should be appealed.
Lawsuit Over Probe Leak
The source being sought by Yanpin Chen, who has filed a lawsuit against the government over the leak of details related to the federal probe into statements she made on immigration forms. Herridge’s investigative series for Fox News in 2017 raised questions about Chen’s ties to the Chinese military and her involvement in a professional school in Virginia.
Legal Battle
Legal fights over disclosing sources are rare but have occurred in cases like this one. Herridge’s lawyer, Patrick Philbin, argued that revealing her sources could jeopardize national security. He highlighted the potential risks associated with Chen’s alleged involvement in providing information about U.S. military members to the Chinese.
Previous Cases
Notably, in 2008, the Justice Department settled a lawsuit with Army scientist Steven Hatfill, resulting in a contempt order being vacated against a journalist asked to name her sources. Such outcomes show the delicate balance between protecting journalistic integrity and complying with court orders.
Conclusion
As the legal battle continues, the case of Catherine Herridge serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding investigative journalism and the protection of sources. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for press freedom and the ability of journalists to uncover important information for the public.
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Richer reported from Boston.
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