Judge Jack Weinstein
Munir was sentenced to time served and three years' supervision after pleading guilty to insider trading for his role in a widely reported conspiracy. He objected to Bloomberg News' bid to unseal a sentencing memorandum and unfiled presentence report. The government claimed the report's publication unnecessary as it bore otherwise readily available information, and would "chill" the Probation Department's ability to obtain information from defendants and the government. The court unsealed only those portions of the sentencing memorandum not revealing information related to medical and identifying information about Munir's family, or quoting from the presentence report, which remained under seal. Noting Munir's minor role in the conspiracy, it found the interests of the press and public in keeping elected officials in check not present. Further, publicly available information described the nature of Munir's offense, conviction, and background. Although interests in maintaining the confidentiality of the presentence report and privacy of innocent third parties were compelling, the court believed that redaction of the sentencing memorandum could balance the interests of confidentiality, a free press, and an informed citizenry.
