Twenty regional and national news organizations have joined forces to challenge a gag order in the case against the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students. This media coalition, which includes the Associated Press, is fighting to protect the public’s right to free expression and to provide important context and understanding of the criminal justice system.

The case has generated a great deal of publicity, and a Latah County Magistrate Judge issued a gag order to prevent attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and others associated with the case from talking about it. The coalition includes several newspapers and television stations in the Pacific Northwest, all opposing the order to protect freedom of information.

Critics of the gag order say it can impede upon the First Amendment rights of Americans.

The members of this coalition are committed to upholding the First Amendment and providing the public with accurate information on the case. Although the gag order has been temporarily lifted, the media coalition is continuing to fight for the people’s right to free expression and access to reliable information.