Petition to Support James Risen Gaining Steam

The U.S. Justice Department is now considering whether to move in federal court to put New York Times journalist James Risen in jail — because of his refusal to name any confidential source for his book State of War.

In a case that has dieseled along in court for more than six years, Risen has refused to testify for prosecutors against a former CIA agent suspected of leaking classified documents. In June, the Supreme Court declined to review his case, which clears the way for prosecutors to compel his testimony.

Momentum is growing for the petition “We Support James Risen Because We Support a Free Press,” and formal delivery to the Justice Department is set for mid-August.

In addition to signing the petition, supporters of press freedom are being asked to share it with colleagues and social-media contacts. Links to more background information on the Risen case are on the petition webpage.