Peter King: Prosecute journalists who report on leaks

The New York Republican said there is an "obligation" against reporters who "severely compromise national security"

Published June 12, 2013 1:35PM (EDT)

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., argued to CNN's Anderson Cooper that journalists who report on leaked information that could "so severely compromise national security" should be prosecuted. “Actually, if they willingly knew that this was classified information, I think action should be taken, especially on something of this magnitude," King said, in response to Cooper's question about whether both the leakers and the journalists deserve punishment.

King continued:

I think something on this magnitude, there is an obligation, both moral but also legal, I believe, against a reporter disclosing something which would so severely compromise national security. As a practical matter, I guess there have been in the past several years, a number of reporters who have been prosecuted under it, so the answer is yes to your question.

Watch:


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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