Journalist Speaks Out After Attempt To Silence Him With A Restraining Order - Beritaja

BERITAJA - A recent case in Salisbury, Maryland, has reignited concerns about press freedom in the United States, echoing an earlier controversy in Arizona where a journalist faced a restraining order sought by a state senator.

Will Fries, an independent journalist and founder of The Watershed Observer, was recently targeted with a “peace order” that would have barred him from Salisbury City Hall. The request was filed by the city’s communications director, reportedly in coordination with senior officials, following Fries’ reporting on how the city’s administration allegedly tried to limit access to public information.

Fortunately, the order was not granted by the court, but the attempt has raised alarms among press freedom advocates who warn that such actions can create a chilling effect on journalism.

Background of the Case

The controversy began after Fries reported on conflicting statements from Salisbury’s mayor regarding the Human Rights Advisory Committee. According to city officials, the committee had advised the removal of a rainbow crosswalk. In fact, official meeting records showed the opposite: the committee had voted against the removal and made that position public.

Journalist Will Fries in Salisbury, Maryland.Lana Foley Photography

Fries prepared to raise this discrepancy during the committee’s August 6 meeting. Although recognized to speak during the public forum, he was interrupted by the mayor’s liaison, who claimed—incorrectly—that a policy prohibited journalists from participating. No such rule exists.

Following the meeting, the communications director sent an email discouraging committee members from speaking with Fries or the press in general. This, Fries said, not only spread misinformation but also intimidated members of a public body whose responsibility is to address community issues.

Misuse of “Peace Orders”

Soon after, the communications director petitioned for a peace order against Fries. The request accused him of being linked to a whistleblower email critical of her conduct and cited his public records requests as justification. Fries has denied the allegations, describing them as baseless retaliation.

“The allegations had no factual foundation,” he explained. “They were used to discredit legitimate journalistic work — things like filing records requests and seeking comment, which reporters do every day.”

The court ultimately dismissed the case, finding no evidence to support the claims.

Broader Pattern of Retaliation

This was not the first time journalists faced legal measures intended to restrict reporting. In Arizona, journalist Camryn Sanchez was briefly restrained from covering State Senator Wendy Rogers, before another judge overturned the order.

Such incidents, while still rare, highlight a broader pattern where local authorities attempt to punish or intimidate journalists for routine newsgathering. Press freedom groups, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF), have documented numerous cases in which reporters were arrested, investigated, or sued under questionable pretenses.

Fries himself believes the Salisbury case reflects an institutional effort, not an isolated incident. During testimony, the communications director admitted to pursuing the order with advice from the city solicitor and the police department. Reports also suggest that elected officials may have been involved.

Independent Journalism Under Scrutiny

A striking element of the case was the communications director’s attempt to discredit Fries as “not official press.” This distinction, Fries argues, is unconstitutional and dangerous.

“Anyone outside government who produces news for the public is press,” he said. “The idea of official versus unofficial press is an invention designed to silence accountability.”

Maryland’s Declaration of Rights, like the constitutions of many U.S. states, explicitly guarantees press freedom for every citizen, not just credentialed reporters.

The Larger National Context

The attempted order against Fries fits into a national trend where transparency and accountability often clash with official defensiveness.

“Increasingly, some public officials treat openness as a liability rather than a responsibility,” Fries noted. “Healthy communities depend on leaders who are willing to be accountable and answer difficult questions.”

He added that everyone—journalists, public employees, and citizens alike—shares responsibility for defending a free press. This can be as simple as subscribing to a local paper, supporting independent outlets, or standing up to government efforts to restrict information.

Looking Ahead

While the Salisbury peace order was ultimately dismissed, the incident underscores how fragile press freedom can be at the local level. Misusing legal tools meant for protection to intimidate reporters not only threatens journalism but also undermines the public’s right to information.

For Fries, the experience reinforces his commitment to holding officials accountable. “We cannot afford to normalize retaliation against journalists,” he said. “The public deserves transparency, and we all must do our part to protect it.”

source : https://freedom.press/issues/journalist-speaks-out-after-attempt-to-silence-him-with-a-restraining-order/

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