(June 5) Today, I filed criminal charges for false imprisonment against Honeywell External Communications Director Rob Ferris and simple assault charges against Nicolas D. Muzin, Senior Advisor to Congressman Tim Scott (R-SC). At first, I was hesitant to press criminal charges because I did not want to seem like a “cry baby”. However after taking to other journalists as well as many concerned Congressional staffers, I decided that allowing the intimidation of reporters in the US Capitol to go unchallenged is a scary precedent to set.The US Capitol is a public building open to reporters and private individuals should not be allowed to impede on freedom of press. Honeywell may financially ownthe Congress, but the building is still public property & should be open to the press.
Labor Journalist Mike Elk Files Criminal Charges Against Honeywell and GOP Staffer
Posted on June 6, 2012 by dsalaborblogmoderator
by Mike Elk
The charges will be forwarded to the US Attorney’s office who will decide whether or not they will prosecute the matter to the full extent of the law. I believe that as members of the press its important we continue talking about this story so as to stand up for freedom of the press and the ability to ask tough questions of public figures in public buildings. I am available to comment on the matter and can be reached at (412) 613-8423.”
Here is more background information on the situation from PR Daily
Keep fighting the good fight!