New York, N.Y. (AP) — A New York judge has permanently struck down a part of an anti-terrorism law that journalists, scholars and political activists say exposes them to potential indefinite detention for exercising First Amendment rights.
Federal Judge Katherine Forrest in Manhattan said Wednesday that the government has softened its position toward the journalists and others who filed a lawsuit against it. But she says the "shifting view" was not enough to erase that threat that people could face indefinite military detention for exercising First Amendment rights.
Lawyers did not immediately respond to messages for comment.
A provision of the law subjects to indefinite detention anyone who "substantially" or "directly" provides "support" to forces such as al-Qaida or the Taliban. Forrest says the wording is too vague and has encouraged Congress to change it.
Copyright Associated Press 2012
