Members of the NPC are perpetuating the lie that Miller is some kind of icon for freedom of the press.
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=53012National Press Club 5K Will Honor Imprisoned Journalist Judith Miller
9/9/2005 2:16:00 PM
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To: National Desk
Contact: Rick Dunham of the National Press Club, 202-662-7517
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The National Press Club will honor imprisoned New York Times reporter Judith Miller by asking participants in its eighth annual National Press Club 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 10 to affix Miller's prisoner number to their race number.
"By wearing Judy Miller's prisoner number, reporters and other participants in the race will show solidarity with our colleague who is unable to participate along with us," National Press Club President Rick Dunham said.
Miller has been imprisoned in Alexandria for more than two months for refusing to disclose her confidential sources. The National Press Club strongly supports journalists who keep their promises of confidentiality to their sources. "The news media can never become an arm of the government or an agent of government prosecutors," said Dunham. "Judy Miller is paying the price for commitment to the independence of the news media."
More than 600 runners and walkers are expected to take part in the eighth annual National Press Club 5K, which raises money for the NPC's Ellen Masin Persina Scholarship for aspiring journalists of color. The Persina Scholarship distributes four- year, $20,000 college scholarships to promising high school seniors who plan on a career in journalism.
The National Press Club will offer race participants two different stickers to place on their race bib. One reads, "JUDITH MILLER, INMATE No. 45570083." The other reads, "I SUPPORT THE 1ST AMENDMENT. JUDITH MILLER, INMATE No. 45570083."
National Press Club members and guests have sent hundreds of letters and notes to Miller. Dunham said the efforts on behalf of the imprisoned journalist will continue until she is freed from custody.
For further information, please contact NPC President Rick Dunham, 202-662-7517