MANDAN, N.D. (AP) – The Latest on court developments involving journalist Amy Goodman over her coverage of protests in North Dakota over the proposed Dakota Access pipeline: (all times local):
2:25 p.m.
“Democracy Now!” reporter Amy Goodman won’t face a riot charge stemming from her coverage of a protest against construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota.
Judge John Grinsteiner on Monday refused to sign off on the charge against Goodman, finding there was no cause for it.
Prosecutor Ladd Erickson dismissed a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge against Goodman on Friday. Defense attorney Tom Dickson said Monday that Erickson wanted to replace it with a misdemeanor charge of engaging in a riot.
Goodman said Grinsteiner’s decision is a vindication for all journalists.
Erickson didn’t immediately return calls seeking comment. He’s said Goodman was acting like a protester when she reported on a clash between protesters and pipeline security last month.
Dickson maintains Goodman was doing her job.
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9:30 a.m.
“Democracy Now” reporter Amy Goodman plans to plead not guilty to a riot charge stemming from her coverage of a protest against the construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota.
Prosecutor Ladd Erickson dismissed a criminal trespass charge against Goodman on Friday. Defense attorney Tom Dickson said Monday that Erickson told him prosecutors plan to charge her with engaging in riot. The charge hasn’t been filed.
Dickson says Goodman will plead not guilty and post bond in court Monday afternoon.
Goodman reported on a clash between protesters and pipeline security at a construction site Sept. 3. Dickson maintains Goodman was doing her job. Erickson has said Goodman went beyond reporting by yelling at security guards.
Opponents worry the pipeline will contaminate water supply and destroy cultural artifacts.