“Reporters on social media represent The Washington Post, and our policy states ‘we must be ever mindful of preserving the reputation of The Washington Post for journalistic excellence, fairness and independence.’ We consistently urge restraint, which is particularly important when there are tragic deaths. The Newspaper Guild, which represents Post newsroom employees, protested the action in a letter to Grant and Executive Editor Martin Baron. It urged The Post to ensure Sonmez’s safety, to rescind any disciplinary action against her and to make a statement condemning the online abuse of its reporter. “We remain concerned that The Post did not take swift action to provide her with protection and support,” it said. “Those allegations should not be minimized in any way.”Sonmez, herself a survivor of a sexual assault, said survivors of assault and their family members praised her for highlighting the Bryant allegations.

Source: Washington Post January 28, 2020 23:42 UTC