"A federal judge in Virginia on Friday declined to immediately rule on the Washington Post's request for the government to return devices seized from reporter Hannah Natanson in a January raid of her home. But the judge, William B. Porter of the eastern district of Virginia, acknowledged the enormity and significance of the seizure during the afternoon hearing. Ms Natanson has basically been deprived of her life's work, he said."
"The judge had previously paused any government search of the devices taken from Natanson in the raid, which included two laptops, a phone and a Garmin watch. Lawyers representing the Post argued that it was extremely damaging for Natanson's journalism and for the freedom of the press for the government to be in possession of her devices. Lawyers for the government argued that the material contained on the devices was necessary for its investigation into the contractor Aurelio Perez-Lugones, and that the judge should remove his pause on the government reviewing the files it had obtained. A lawyer representing Natanson, Amy Jeffress, told the judge that her client has suffered significant harm, both personally and professionally, as a result of the government's actions. The shock of this unprecedented search has had lasting consequences, she added."
A federal judge declined to immediately rule on a request to return devices seized from reporter Hannah Natanson during a January home raid. The judge acknowledged the enormity and significance of the seizure and noted that Natanson has been deprived of her life's work. The judge expressed concern about permitting government review of potentially protected files and about potential loss of public confidence. The seized items include two laptops, a phone, and a Garmin watch. The Post and Natanson's counsel argued the seizures harmed journalism and press freedom, while the government argued the materials were necessary for its investigation into a contractor.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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