Arresting Journalists Violates First Amendment
The New Mexico Local News Fund is dedicated to upholding the vital role of journalism in fostering an informed public and ensuring transparent governance. Freedom of the press is enshrined as one of the five freedoms in the First Amendment and is essential to our democracy.
Recent events involving the arrest of Bryant Furlow, an investigative journalist, at the University of New Mexico (UNM) have prompted us to reaffirm our commitment to press freedom.
Bryant, who regularly partners with the award-winning online news outlet New Mexico In Depth, was arrested alongside photographer Tara Armijo-Prewitt while documenting a police operation to clear a student encampment at UNM on Wednesday morning.
It is vitally important to respect the legal protections afforded to journalists. These protections are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in our society. We call upon all involved to ensure that the First Amendment rights of journalists are upheld, unjust charges are dropped, and that any involved law enforcement be reminded of the constitutional protections that apply to journalists.
