WGAE Statement on the Arrest of VICE News’ Alex Thompson

NEW YORK, NY (September 20, 2016) – The Writers Guild of America, East issued the following statement regarding the arrest of VICE News journalist Alex Thompson:

“This weekend, VICE News journalist Alex Thompson, who is represented by the Writers Guild of America, East, was arrested while trying to cover an event for Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Omni Westside Hotel in Houston.  We condemn this latest assault on accurate and vigorous journalism and the First Amendment. Journalists must be free to do their work without being hauled into jail, or into court.”

ABOUT WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, EAST

The Writers Guild of America, East, AFL-CIO (WGAE) is a labor union representing writers in motion pictures, television, cable, digital media and broadcast news. The Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members; conducts programs, seminars and events on issues of interest to writers; and presents writers’ views to various bodies of government.For more information on the Writers Guild of America, East, visit wgaeast.org.

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