Press Conference on James Risen Case

Addressing one of the most important U.S. press freedom cases in decades, a broad coalition of organizations will hold a news conference about efforts by the Obama administration to compel New York Times reporter James Risen to disclose a confidential source.

The news conference is set for August 14 at the National Press Club in Washington. Earlier in the day, a petition with 100,000 signers — “We Support James Risen Because We Support a Free Press” — will be formally presented to the U.S. Department of Justice.

When: Thursday, August 14 at 1 p.m.

Where: National Press Club (Zenger Room), 13th Floor, National Press Building

Who: Speakers will include representatives of the Committee to Protect Journalists (Courtney Radsch, CPJ Advocacy Director), the Freedom of the Press Foundation, the Government Accountability Project, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and Reporters Without Borders. Also speaking will be nine-time Emmy Award winner Phil Donahue. The news conference is hosted by RootsAction.org.

UPDATE: James Risen will also be speaking at this event.