Media rights group condemns handcuffing of New Orleans journalists

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) has condemned the detention of WWL Louisiana investigative producer Danny Monteverde and outlet lawyer Elana Beiser, who were handcuffed by courthouse deputies in early July. The journalists were attempting to object to Judge Leon Roche’s decision to close a courtroom during the return of a grand jury indictment against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.

In a letter to the New Orleans criminal court, RCFP attorney Virginia Hamrick characterized the incident as “outrageous” and stated it sends a “chilling message” to the press and the public. Hamrick argued that journalists should not face detention for exercising constitutional rights to object to courtroom closures. While Judge Roche cited the need to protect grand jury anonymity, the RCFP contended that such concerns do not justify closing a courtroom without hearing objections.

The indictment against Murrill involved accusations of intimidation and malfeasance related to threats against Democratic New Orleans officials. The case was ultimately dismissed. Following the incident, Judge Roche stated he did not instruct deputies to detain media members, while the sheriff’s office maintained that deputies acted according to received directives.