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Europeans Call for Release of Judith Miller

European reporters have submitted a petition calling for the release of jailed New York Times reporter Judith Miller.

Twenty-seven prominent Europeans including Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, German Nobel literature laureate Gunter Grass, French philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy and British TV journalist Kate Adie have responded to an appeal from Reporters Without Borders and signed a petition urging the US courts to release New York Times reporter Judith Miller, who will have been in prison for 50 days tomorrow.

Here's the full text of the petition:

"We have always admired the United States for the freedom enjoyed by its press. A press that-under all circumstances-has informed, levied blame, and could make presidents tremble, or even topple them from power. In this area, America set an example for the rest of the world.

We were therefore dismayed by the news that Judith Miller, a journalist with the New York Times, had been thrown in jail on the grounds that she had refused to reveal her information sources to the court.

At a time when the most extremist ideas are gaining ground, and when growing numbers of reporters are being killed or taken hostage, arresting a journalist in a democratic country is more than a crime : it's a miscarriage of justice.

After this, how can we demand that other countries in the world respect freedom of expression and information-one of the pillars of democracy ?

In the name of our common values, we urge the American judicial system to reconsider its decision concerning Judith Miller, who was merely performing her duties as a journalist."

[hat tip Patriot Daily.]

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    Re: Europeans Call for Release of Judith Miller (none / 0) (#1)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:02:44 PM EST
    Sometime smart people are idiots. Sometime smart and powerful people are motivated by ruthless ambition and say one thing in order to get on someone's good side (NYT). Sometimes ambitious people align with kneejerk slogans for the free PR. Sometimes people from one country think that they know what is right for others in another country as in America's Iraq War chickenhawks.
    In the name of our common values, we urge the American judicial system to reconsider its decision concerning Judith Miller, who was merely performing her duties as a journalist.
    Idiots. They can all have her. ..."merely performing her duties as a journalist" ha ha ha. Would they also have defended Goebbels? Most likely they would if this is any indication of their position on propaganda. Perhaps this will help Sulzberger decide which Europeans to bless in future NYT coverage. Almodovar and Wenders are sure to get good reviews from now on, and free promo. Shame on you all.

    Re: Europeans Call for Release of Judith Miller (none / 0) (#4)
    by Che's Lounge on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:02:44 PM EST
    I understand their advocacy. She's one of their own. Yet I don't think they have a full understanding of our system. This is demonstrated by their praise of our media. They are apparently not aware of the massive media propaganda campaign that occurred just prior to the Illegal Invasion of Iraq.

    Re: Europeans Call for Release of Judith Miller (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:02:45 PM EST
    They also would like to applaud Franco for introducing the accordian to Spain. "After all, he was a musician." Miller is FINALLY LEARNING HER TRADE in prison. She traded her country, for incarceration. And earned every penny of it.

    Re: Europeans Call for Release of Judith Miller (none / 0) (#3)
    by cpinva on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:02:45 PM EST
    what, were they all on vacation until just now? i am not quite ready to nominate ms. miller for journalistic martyrdom. too many holes yet to be filled.

    Re: Europeans Call for Release of Judith Miller (none / 0) (#5)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:02:45 PM EST
    God bless Ms. Miller. Who else has the courage to defend the government against the people; the powerful against the powerless?

    Re: Europeans Call for Release of Judith Miller (none / 0) (#6)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:02:45 PM EST
    ...and the evil Cabal of warmongers, from the eyes of honorable newspaper readers. "The Philippines are ours forever." -- Sen. Beveridge, 1899