CNN issues a statement regarding Don Lemon’s arrest; claims it “raises questions about press freedom”

After the arrest of CNN Anchor Don Lemon, the news broadcasting agency released a statement stating that the FBI's act “raises questions about press freedom”

CNN defended its former colleague and pointed out how Lemon's First Amendment right was blatantly violated.

"The FBI's arrest of our former CNN colleague Don Lemon raises profoundly concerning questions about press freedom and the First Amendment. The Department of Justice already failed twice to get an arrest warrant for Don and several other journalists in Minnesota, where a chief judge of the Minnesota Federal District Court found there was "no evidence" that there was any criminal behavior involved in their work. The First Amendment in the United States protects journalists who bear witness to news and events as they unfold, ensuring they can report freely in the public interest, and the DOJ's attempts to violate those rights is unacceptable. We will be following this case closely."

Don Lemon's arrest

On Thursday, Lemon was arrested while covering the Grammy awards in Los Angeles for allegedly violating federal law by filming the anti-immigration enforcement protesters at a protest at the Cities Church in St Paul, Minnesota, on January 19.

According to his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, explained, "Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done. The first amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable."

Don Lemon is still in custody, as of Friday.

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