ACLU Comments on Possible Restrictions of Media Coverage in Elian Gonzalez Matter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MIAMI — Reports are circulating that the media may be excluded from the area surrounding Elian Gonzalez’s home, if and when federal authorities attempt to remove the boy from the custody of his Miami relatives and reunite him with his father in Washington.

The American Civil Liberties Union believes that all journalists must be free to pursue this story and report it without government restrictions. Because of the vital constitutional role of the media as a check on the actions of government, the executive branch has an absolute obligation not to impede the media’s use of its own resources, including its own communications and transportation facilities, to report on the actions of our government.

For more information on the ACLU and Elian Gonzalez, please visit the ACLU of Florida web site: www.aclufl.org.