Anthrax settlement leaves media issue open

WASHINGTON, June 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. government's settlement with a man named a "person of interest" in the 2001 anthrax attacks still leaves open his suit seeking a reporter's source.

The $5.8 million settlement the Justice Department reached with Steven Hatfill made no finding against news organizations and didn't include whether any news organization would have to pay monetary damages to Hatfill, USA Today reported Monday.

The former Army scientist alleged the government violated his privacy by naming him a "person of interest" in the attacks that killed five people. He also demanded journalists disclose confidential sources.

Media lawyers say the case highlights the risk journalists face when using unnamed sources to provide critical information about criminal investigations.

"My own view is that it is appropriate for journalists to rely on sources of this sort," says Floyd Abrams, a First Amendment attorney. "Obviously, there is a growing legal and journalistic risk to doing this: The sources may be wrong."

Hatfill subpoenaed six reporters to disclose the government sources who discussed him. Four got waivers allowing them to identify officials while a fifth faces a contempt citation.The sixth, a former USA TODAY reporter, is awaiting a ruling on her appeal of a contempt order requiring her to pay up to $5,000 per day for refusing to identify sources.

Hatfill's attorneys told the court her testimony isn't needed.