Judge says Pentagon must restore press access

Main Idea: A federal judge said the Pentagon must restore press access and cannot enforce a new policy that limited reporters’ access to the building.

Key Points:

• The judge ruled the Defense Department did not follow an earlier court order to ease harsh limits on Pentagon reporters.
• He said the Pentagon’s revised policy was also unlawful because it kept reporters out unless they had escorts and removed office space.
• The court said the policy may violate the First Amendment, due process, and other constitutional protections for the press.
• The Pentagon said it disagrees with the ruling, will appeal, and believes it has followed the court’s order.