December 1, 2009 Free Press in a Time of Terrorism Is Subject of Dec. 10 Program at the Library of Congress

In celebration of Human Rights Day, the Law Library of Congress will host a 90-minute panel discussion titled “Free Press in a Time of Terrorism” at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in Room LM 621, the West Dining Room, located on the sixth floor of the Library’s Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. Advance reservations are not required, but seating is limited.

Law Librarian of Congress Roberta Shaffer will introduce Clothilde le Coz from Reporters Without Borders and Lucy A. Dalglish from The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Louis Fisher from the Law Library of Congress will moderate the event.

The discussion will focus on how countries around the world are attempting to balance the needs of a free press with an effective strategy against terrorism. Questions for consideration include: Should the press operate more or less freely during such periods? If government imposes restrictions, what are the costs to constitutional government and to citizens? What are some current controversies and initiatives?

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