Stars and Stripes journalists sue US Defense Dept over firings

Stars and Stripes, a venerable US military publication with a history dating back to the Civil War era, has found itself embroiled in a legal dispute with the Department of Defense. Three high-ranking staff members - the editor-in-chief, the publisher, and a reporter - filed a lawsuit alleging that they were fired in violation of their First Amendment rights.

The lawsuit, obtained by AFP, contends that the Pentagon retaliated against the trio for a news report they published about deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. This report, published on August 11, prompted fresh criticism of President Donald Trump's policy towards Iran.

According to the court filing, the Pentagon ordered the publisher to fire the editor-in-chief and reporter, accusing them of insubordination for their statements in an interview with CBS weeks prior. The three were finally dismissed on August 21.

The lawsuit asserts that the dismissal was illegal and demands the trio's reinstatement. It underscores Stars and Stripes' commitment to editorial independence and the First Amendment, stating that the publication exists to provide unbiased news and information to the US military community.

The Department of Defense, represented by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, is a defendant in the lawsuit. The department has been vocal in its criticism of the media, and the independence of Stars and Stripes and other military publications has allegedly come under threat. The Defense Department has stated its intention to influence the publication's coverage away from what it calls "woke distractions".

The lawsuit seeks to protect the journalists' First Amendment rights and challenge the Pentagon's censorship efforts.