Reporters Without Borders took note of Josh Wolf's imprisonment for refusing to turn over evidence in a federal case. Today marks Wolf's 171st day in prison, the longest an American journalist has spent in a US jail. Wolf's jail time now surpasses the 168 days Vanessa Leggett spent behind bars. Journalists are facing increased pressure from the federal government, since there is no federal reporter's shield, unlike in California.

"Like Leggett, who was jailed for refusing to name her sources to federal judicial officials, Wolf is being held on a federal judge's orders for refusing to surrender his unedited video files," Reporters Without Borders said. "This is scandalous on two counts - the principle at stake and the length of time in prison - and speaks to a disturbing deterioration in press freedom in the United States."

The organisation added: "Other journalists are currently risking imprisonment for similar reasons. Congress cannot remain silent any longer on the key question of professional secrecy, which is accorded to journalists in 33 states of the union. We reiterate our call for a federal 'shield law' and for the rapid release of Wolf, whose work had no bearing on national security, like Leggett's."