Tennessee Judge Sides with Media on Execution Access
Nashville, TN – A Tennessee judge has ruled that prison officials must allow more access for journalists to witness state executions. This decision comes after a group of news organizations, including the Associated Press, filed a lawsuit. They argued that current rules limit fair and complete reporting on these serious events.
Chancellor I’Ashea L. Myles agreed that the media should see more of the execution process. Before this ruling, reporters could only watch for a short time. The news group claimed this violated the public’s right to know and the press’s right to observe the entire execution, from when the person enters the room until they are pronounced dead.
The lawsuit named the warden of Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, Kenneth Nelsen, and the head of the Tennessee Department of Correction, Frank Strada, as defendants.
Prison officials had argued that the press does not have a special right to information that isn’t available to everyone. They also said that allowing more access could put prison security and those involved at risk.
The judge’s order stated that execution team members must wear protective suits that cover their uniforms and badges. They can also wear masks to hide their identity. However, the curtains to the witness room must be open at 10 a.m., when the inmate is secured to the gurney, and stay open until death is announced.
The judge explained that allowing the media to fully observe executions helps the public see if the state is carrying out these sentences lawfully and fairly. It also ensures that the execution process is properly watched.
Other news groups involved in the lawsuit include Gannett Co., Inc., Nashville Public Media, Inc., and Scripps Media, Inc.
