Oscar winner shields Bergdahl interviews from US lawyers

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

The recordings formed the basis for the second season of the popular podcast “Serial” that focused on Bergdahl’s decision to desert and his five years in captivity with the Taliban and its allies.

Slowing receding

Saskatchewan still focused on floodwaters, local states of emergency drop to 18

6h ago

larongeNOW/CKOM

Man dies after encounter with bear near air strip in northern Saskatchewan

6h ago

public safety

Death of young mother in Turnor Lake highlights rural domestic violence barriers

8h ago

But the majority of unedited recordings never aired, and Boal said they included confidential discussions and material never meant to be public.

In return for the government dropping its efforts to get the records, Boal will verify material that aired on the podcast if called to testify at Bergdahl’s court-martial in North Carolina, attorney Jean-Paul Jassy said. Boal will also drop his demand for attorney fees.

A Justice Department spokeswoman confirmed the case was resolved, but she said they had no further comment.

A court filing Tuesday showed the case was dismissed, though Jassy said it actually was settled Dec. 6.

Boal’s lawsuit was supported by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, other journalism groups, nonprofits and major media companies, including The Associated Press.

“We supported this lawsuit because it sent a very strong message about aggressively defending rights under the First Amendment,” said Bruce Brown, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. “That message was heard and received. The resulting settlement protects newsgathering and confidential communications with sources. This is a great outcome.”

At a hearing in Los Angeles federal court in September, Jassy asked a judge to issue an order blocking release of the recordings. He said it was unprecedented for a military prosecutor to subpoena a civilian reporter.

Government lawyers, however, claimed the lawsuit to pre-emptively block a subpoena was premature. They also said Boal should first have to challenge a subpoena in military courts and return to federal court only if those efforts failed.

At the judge’s suggestion, the two sides entered into settlement discussions before a magistrate judge.

Bergdahl, of Hailey, Idaho, faces a military trial in April on charges of desertion and misbehaviour before the enemy. Conviction on the latter charge carries a possible term of life in prison.

Bergdahl is seeking a pardon from President Barack Obama.

Brian Melley, The Associated Press