A federal judge has blocked enforcement of part of a law allowing the indefinite detention and trial by military commission of any person who “substantially supported” al-Qaida, the Taliban or “associated forces” in armed conflict.
Southern District Judge Katherine Forrest granted an injunction sought by journalists and activists who claimed that §1021 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 would sweep up reporters and advocates who contact designated terror groups. She said the plaintiffs had shown a likelihood of succeeding on the merits on their claims that the section is so vague that it violates their First Amendment associational and free speech rights, as well as their right to due process under the Fifth Amendment.
