Curfew rules make journalism illegal

The curfew rules put in place in Ferguson tonight make it impossible for journalists in town to legally report on whatever happens after midnight in confrontations between police and people who refuse to obey protest rules.

Media confined to staging area in front of Ferguson Market from midnight to 5. If outside area, subject to arrest. #Ferguson

— Jean Buchanan (@JABuchanan) August 17, 2014

So basically I can't do my job of witnessing if I'm in the pen and could get arrested outside it.

— Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) August 17, 2014

You can see how this comes about, logistically, but it means that if things go badly tonight the public could end up in the dark about what went down.

Here's what the First Amendment pen looks like. pic.twitter.com/OzjSSTfkFE

— Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) August 17, 2014

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