Murder In Moscow: The Media Coalition Requests That The Gag Order Be Lifted Before Sentencing (7/13/25)

Beyond The Horizon

In Case No. CR01-24-31665, a coalition of major news organizations—including ABC News, CNN, CBS News, the Associated Press, Fox News, and others—have filed a memorandum seeking to be heard as interested parties in the criminal proceedings against Bryan C. Kohberger, the defendant charged in connection with the Idaho student murders. The media companies are requesting that the court vacate the existing nondissemination (gag) order, arguing that it violates constitutional protections under the First Amendment and impedes the public's right to access court proceedings and related information. They assert that the order is overly broad, lacks sufficient justification, and unjustifiably restricts press freedom and transparency in a case of significant public interest.
The media coalition contends that the gag order infringes upon their ability to report on the case and gather news, including statements from attorneys, law enforcement, and other official sources. They argue that the public has a compelling interest in understanding the judicial process, particularly in a high-profile case involving allegations of multiple homicides. The memorandum emphasizes that any restrictions on speech must be narrowly tailored and based on specific findings, which the current order allegedly lacks. As such, the organizations urge the court to lift the nondissemination order entirely or, at a minimum, modify it to comply with constitutional standards.
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source:
Microsoft Word - Media Coalition_Kohberger Sealed Records - Ada County - Memo ISO Motion to Vacate Gag Order_July 3(129532455.3)