A journalist has been ordered to testify in the court-martial of a Southern California Marine accused of disobeying orders by giving him an interview.
In a ruling released Monday, a military judge at Camp Pendleton said testimony from San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Rick Rogers is crucial to the defense of Pvt. Gary Maziarz.
Maziarz was accused of passing classified intelligence to a Los Angeles County sheriff's detective. He pleaded guilty to military charges two years ago. After his release from the brig, Maziarz gave an interview to Rogers.
Maziarz then was charged with willfully disobeying a direct order.
The judge in the case said Maziarz's right to a fair trial outweighs Rogers' First Amendment rights, the paper reported.
Reporter Ordered to Testify in Marine Trial
Union-Tribune editor mulls options after ruling by judge at Pendleton
Copyright AP - Associated Press
