MyWayNews notes Army Lt. Col. Joe Sowers, a Pentagon spokesman says:
“In general, journalists are civilians,” the 1,180 page manual says, but it adds that “journalists may be members of the armed forces, persons authorized to accompany the armed forces, or unprivileged belligerents.”
A person deemed “unprivileged belligerent” is not entitled to the rights afforded by the Geneva Convention so a commander could restrict from certain coverage areas or even hold indefinitely without charges any reporter considered an “unprivileged belligerent.”
The manual adds, “Reporting on military operations can be very similar to collecting intelligence or even spying. A journalist who acts as a spy may be subject to security measures and punished if captured.” It is not specific as to the punishment or under what circumstances a commander can decide to “punish” a journalist.
The full report is here.
Another provision notes “relaying of information” could be interpreted as “taking a direct part in hostilities.” Officials said that is intended to refer to passing information about ongoing operations, locations of troops or other classified data to an enemy.
“The Department of Defense supports and respects the vital work that journalists perform,” Sowers said. “Their work in gathering and reporting news is essential to a free society and the rule of law.” His statement added that the manual is not policy and not “directive in nature.”
so where is the truth to come from
@[100003405508324:2048:Citizensforsc SouthCarolina]
The fox is in the hen house. We The People hold the head of The Dept. Of Defense as Belligerent.
The Department of Defense doesn’t just take uncons$#%&!@*utional steps like this without guidance and/or direction from above.
This is what you get under the socialist Obama administration. Another subversion of our cons$#%&!@*ution.
Anyone out there watching ??
Step 1. Kill the free press
Then we have “thought police” followed by persecution of dissidents !!
Just like $#%&!@* Germany.
soon not even radio…short waves and hams here 2 stay
I don’t do press, because WE don’t hear that truth. We hear what sells papers..
The PATCH is even a worse. TOTAL SENSORSHIP.
THANKFULLY WE HAVE FAVEBOOK. WE HAVE A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE EVENTS OF THE WORLD AS THEY ARE ACTUALLY AND FACTUALLY HAPPENING!
I LOVE FB. THANK YOU MARK Z. Z ND FRIENDS! YOU CHANGED THE WORLD. YOU ROCK!
This is meant for idiots like Geraldo Rivera who let it out where the 101st would be attacking in Iraq in Op Iraqi Freedom, or any journo who broadcasts operational details which could put US troops are greater risk, and aid and comfort the enemy.