This story in the Guardian last year about a foiled plot to blow up a jet bound for the US included classified information. The Justice Department subpoenaed the records in order to find the source of the leak, but the AP is now arguing that the investigation is too broad and goes far beyond what is necessary to uncover that specific leak.
Its the latest conflict between a executive branch focus on national security and the secrecy alleged necessary to obtain it, and the media's effort to maintain press freedoms.
For background:
- Under sweeping subpoenas, Justice Department obtained AP phone records in leak investigation.
- Here’s the story the AP suspects led to sweeping Justice Dept. subpoena.
- Justice Dept. Defends Seizure of Phone Records.
- Leak Investigations Are an Assault on the Press, and on Democracy, Too.
- Spying on The Associated Press
