On War Images

March 23, 2003

[Admin Moderator]

It is obvious that we are going to need some sort of guidelines regarding the posting of pictures of the brutality of war, such as those broadcast by Al Jazeera today.

As always, our first preference is that people use common sense, discretion, and show courtesy to others. We are not going to define any hard rules here, but instead give some guidelines.

1. If in doubt as to if some picture should be posted on Free Republic, don't post it. Instead, link to the picture.
2. While it is clear that the brutality of the Iraq regime and the realities of what our brave military face should be seen, the goal is not to make Free Republic such a gut wrenching place that one would want to turn away from it. As such, truly disturbing pictures will be removed.
3. Spamming of pictures (or links to picture, or the same comment) to every thread around will result in pulled posts, suspensions, and in worst case scenerios bannings.
4. If you see something that is beyond the level which seems to be accepted, hit abuse and let us know. If we agree, it will come down.
5. If it is clear that the general level of what is allowed is still too intense for you, please turn off the automatic loading of images within your browser.
6. THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT: Do not post pictures of casulaties or links to the same or to information identifying the casualties until we have confirmation the families have been notified, even if other internet sites show no respect for the families. This is not how we want to be noted for: Mother of POW recognizes son on TV

Thank you, and God bless and protect our troops.

---

United States Department of Defense Press Advisory

March 23, 2003

Coverage of POWs and Deceased

Out of respect for the families and consistent with the principles of the Geneva Conventions:

1) We request news organizations not air or publish recognizable images or audio recordings that identify POWs. Additionally, we request you not use their names, first or last, or their unit until next-of-kin notification is complete. We are working hard to reach their families. We will notify you as soon as this is done.

2) We repeat standing policy that news organizations not air or publish recognizable images of deceased members of the U.S. military or use their names, first or last, or their unit, until next-of-kin notification is completed or 72 hours. We are working hard to reach their families. We will notify you as soon as this is done.

[TonyInOhio]

Well done. You guys are keeping this the best forum site on the 'Net.

Tony

[beachn4fun]

Thank you. I am not sure I want to see those pictures. I am glad Fox is not showing them. My heart cries for those in harm's way and I don't know if I could stand to see it. I had a very hard time watching Black Hawk Down and seeing what our military went through then.

[TheOtherOne]

Nice set of 'guidlines'

[Fiddlstix]

Very good guidelines

[AntiGuv]

Are images of POWs acceptable? They've now been released by Reuters.

[PhiKapMom]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wait4Truth]

Congratulations on a great move! Thank you!

[AntiGuv]

Thank you. I think the addition of #6 answers my question.

[Admin Moderator]

See point #6 above. Thanks

[Admin Moderator]

Can't believe I forgot that on the first draft :-)

[Tennessee_Bob]

Are images of POWs acceptable?

Are you talking about Iraqi POWs (those that we have captured?) Or are you talking about American POWs (the ones that were shown on television earlier today)? Consider this - as of right now, we don't know the names of the American POWs, we don't know if their families have been notified - and for all we know, we're helping to spread Iraqi propaganda by posting them.

[Brett66]

BTTT.

[Tennessee_Bob]

Bump

[Sabertooth]

Good work in posting this. You guys are doing a great job in heavy traffic. Kudos.

[rintense]

THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT:Do not post pictures of casulaties until we have confirmation the families have been notified, even if other internet sites show no respect for the families.

Thank you. Now if only some would listen.

[Monty22]

I got an hour suspension, and as a paying contributor to this site, I find that disappointing.

I think we need to be careful about censorship here.

[AntiGuv]

I was talking about the American POWs, and I agree that it's wiser to postpone the dissemination of those images. Anyhow, I watched the video & it was depressing. I don't think I'll watch any more of those..

[Cate]

Thank you for your compassion.