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Leggett Freed!

Freelance writer and book author Vanessa Leggett was released from federal custody in Houston on Jan. 4, after serving 168 days in jail for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury and turn over her research materials. A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals sitting in Houston (5th Cir.) upheld the July 20 contempt order on August 17, finding journalists do not have a right to refuse to testify before a grand jury. She has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case, but no decision has been made by the high court. Latest status: Leggett was freed on Jan. 4, but her attorney will still press her appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court.

CONTRIBUTING A number of people have contacted the Reporters Committee asking where they can send money to help Vanessa Leggett pay her legal fees. While no official legal defense fund has been established, you can send checks made out to Vanessa Leggett to the Reporters Committee or to her attorney at the following addresses: The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press 1815 N. Fort Myer Dr., Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22209 Mike DeGeurin Foreman DeGeurin Nugent & Gerger 300 Main St., Houston, TX 77002