A Jefferson Muzzle is handed out by the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression every April to any individual or institution that is “responsible for some of the more egregious or ridiculous affronts to First Amendment principles.”

According to McClatchy, this year’s Muzzle recipients included the US Department of Justice, the White House Press Office, the National Security Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security.

“From the White House to the state house, from universities to high schools, members of the press have had to defend against a variety of challenges, some never seen before,” said Josh Wheeler, director of the center.

Earlier this year, a report by Reporters Without Borders showed that there has been a major decline in press freedom in the United States.

The US plunged 13 places from 32nd to 46th in the France-based group’s 2014 World Press Freedom Index.

more @  www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/04/11/358126/obama-awarded-for-restricti...