Judge Weighs Challenge to Gag Order in University of Idaho Killings

Judge Weighs Challenge to Gag Order in University of Idaho Killings
Bryan Kohberger appears at a hearing in Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho, on Jan. 5, 2023. Ted S. Warren/Pool/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:
0:00

A judge overseeing the case against Bryan Kohberger, charged with killing four University of Idaho students last fall, is set to hear arguments Friday over a gag order that largely bars attorneys and other parties in the case from speaking with news reporters.

A coalition of more than 30 media organizations has challenged the order, saying it violates the Constitution’s guarantees of free speech and a free press, as has a lawyer for one of the victim’s families. But prosecutors and the defendant’s lawyers insist it’s needed to prevent prejudicial news coverage that could damage Kohberger’s right to a fair trial.