DA Larry Krasner lifts ban on journalist Ralph Cipriano

District Attorney Larry Krasner has lifted a ban locking out longtime muckraker Ralph Cipriano from press conferences.

The big picture: The DA's action against Cipriano alarmed press freedom advocates who called the decision to exclude the journalist "unconstitutional."

• But Krasner's office argued Cipriano deserved the ban because of his repeated disruptions and talking over other reporters.

Driving the news: Krasner removed the muzzle after Axios reported about his longstanding feud with Cipriano, a former Inquirer reporter who writes about the DA's office on his Big Trial blog.

• The move came soon after the DA's office warned reporters in writing about its decorum rules at briefings. As of late last month, media invites now caution reporters not to interrupt each other at press briefings and only ask questions "at the appropriate juncture" when called on.
• Reporters risk having their access to news conferences revoked for breaking the rules.

Catch up quick: Krasner blocked Cipriano from press briefings last month after he asked a question at a news conference without first being called on by the DA.

• Two years ago, Krasner had his security detail escort the reporter from another press conference for not following the DA's rules — which led the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to intervene.

The latest: Cipriano, who contemplated taking legal action, tells Axios he refrained from attending briefings during the ban because he feared being charged with harassment.

What they're saying: Melissa Melewsky, an attorney for journalism advocacy group Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, tells Axios the new decorum policy discourages journalists from asking questions at press events.

• "The proof is going to be in the pudding here," she said. "This kind of policy can be applied inappropriately to the detriment of the press. That would create constitutional concerns."

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