VA to return equipment seized from reporter

VA to return equipment seized from reporter

By Hope Yen - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Apr 11, 2009 16:54:34 EDT

WASHINGTON — Amid protest from a reporters group, the Veterans Affairs Department agreed late Friday to return a radio journalist’s recording equipment that it had seized four days earlier as he attempted to interview an injured veteran about VA health care.

In a written statement to The Associated Press, VA spokeswoman Katie Roberts said the department “regrets this incident occurred” and as a result would hand back the flash drive that it took from WAMU reporter David Schultz at the VA Medical Center in Washington. WAMU is a National Public Radio affiliate in the capital.

“After reviewing all the facts surrounding the incident of April 7th and actions since, VA has arranged the return of the flash drive to WAMU,” Roberts said. “We make every effort to protect the privacy of our patients and to ensure that they are able to make informed decisions about what information they release or discuss with the public while in a VA facility.”

“The Department of Veterans Affairs regrets this incident occurred as we appreciate the interest of the press in covering veterans’ issues,” she added.
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VA to return equipment seized from reporter