Freedom Of The Press News

"Marion County Record Defies Raid, Retrieves Seized Property for Analysis"

Marion County Record in Kansas defiantly published its weekly edition after police raided the newsroom and confiscated property, including computers and cellphones. Authorities returned the seized items but continue to investigate whether a newspaper reporter committed a crime by verifying information from a confidential source. The owner and publisher of the newspaper emphasized the importance of protecting the First Amendment and the ability of news organizations to pursue controversial stories. The raid attracted international attention and led to the death of the publisher's 98-year-old mother. The newspaper has received an outpouring of support, with thousands of new subscriptions. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the case, and the county attorney has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the search warrants.