US Pentagon News Office Declared Classified Area, Banning Reporters
Quick Look
- The US Pentagon has declared its news office a classified area, barring journalists from entry.
- This move follows previous restrictions and a legal challenge, with officials citing the need to protect sensitive information.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Pentagon has been progressively restricting journalists' access since last year. This has led to media outlets being moved from their dedicated spaces and facing new, restrictive media policies. Some outlets refused to sign these policies, resulting in the revocation of their Pentagon press credentials.
美國五角大廈1日宣布，已將新聞辦公室劃為機密區域，現在記者被禁止進入。圖為美國國防部長赫格塞斯。（路透）
美國五角大廈1日宣布已將新聞辦公室劃為機密區域，現在記者被禁止進入。
根據《法新社》報導，五角大廈代理新聞秘書瓦德茲（Joel Valdez）在1份聲明中表示，五角大廈新聞辦公室已被重新劃定為敏感訊息隔離設施，記者將不再被允許進入該辦公區域。
瓦德茲指出，五角大廈實施此舉原因是經常處理機密資訊的演講稿撰寫人員在該區域工作。
事實上五角大廈自去年開始就對記者實施限制措施。包括《紐約時報》、《華盛頓郵報》、美國有線電視新聞網（CNN）等媒體機構被迫搬離在五角大廈的專屬辦公空間。五角大廈指出，此舉是為了給其他媒體（主要是保守派媒體）騰出空間。
五角大廈之後要求剩餘記者簽署新的限制性媒體政策，才能繼續進入大樓。包括《紐約時報》、《福斯新聞》（Fox News）、《法新社》和《路透社》等媒體拒絕簽署，導致其五角大廈記者證被吊銷。
《紐約時報》針對此事提起訴訟後，美國法官3月裁定五角大廈政策的部分內容違反美國憲法，但五角大廈隨即推出新限制措施，宣布將關閉名為「記者走廊」的新聞區域，並表示所有進入大樓的記者都必須由專人陪同。
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Further legal challenges or appeals regarding the Pentagon's media policy.
Likely · Within weeks
Increased scrutiny and debate over government transparency and press freedom in the US.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific information is considered sensitive enough to warrant this level of restriction?
- Will other government agencies follow suit with similar policies?
- What are the long-term implications for government transparency and the public's right to information?
- Will the Pentagon offer alternative secure channels for journalists to receive information?
