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AP, other media seek access to records in Mueller probe Posted Apr 25, 2018 at 9:28 AM Updated Apr 25, 2018 at 9:28 AM In this June 21, 2017, file photo, special counsel Robert Mueller departs after a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Associated Press and other news organizations are asking a judge to unseal records in Mueller’s Russia investigation. The media coalition argued in a court filing on April 25, 2018, that Mueller’s probe is “one of the most consequential criminal investigations in our nation’s history” and that there’s overwhelming public interest in records from the case. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) ▲ In this June 21, 2017, file photo, special counsel Robert Mueller departs after a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Associated Press and other news organizations are asking a judge to unseal records in Mueller’s Russia investigation. The media coalition argued in a court filing on April 25, 2018, that Mueller’s probe is “one of the most consequential criminal investigations in our nation’s history” and that there’s overwhelming public interest in records from the case. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) ▲ --> WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press and other news organizations asked a judge Wednesday to unseal records in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, citing overwhelming public interest in a case they said was among the most important in American history. The news media coalition is asking specifically for transcripts of hearings in the ongoing prosecution of President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, as well as access to sealed search warrant applications filed by investigators. Any interest in protecting the integrity of the probe, which is examining potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia, is outweighed by the public's right to the records and by public interest in "one of the most consequential criminal investigations in our nation's history," the media court filing states. "Under the common law, courts balance the public's right to information about the workings of the criminal justice system against the legitimate countervailing interests of the government; here, that balance tips decisively in favor of the public," the media organizations wrote. Though Manafort's court appearances have largely been open, the news organizations are seeking transcripts of portions of the hearings that occurred behind closed doors and out of public view. That includes a specific court hearing in which lawyers for Manafort's co-defendant, Rick Gates, argued to withdraw from the case. In addition, the news media organizations are asking for copies of applications and supporting affidavits for search warrants that have been executed in the case, including last year on Manafort's home in Virginia and on a storage unit. The public interest in those records could not be greater, said the media court filing. "The Russia Investigation goes to the heart of the integrity of the political process, the potential corruption or other misconduct of the President of the United States and his closest advisersor, as some of the President's supporters have argued, a corrupt conspiracy by some in law enforcement to harm the Presidentand the ability of the justice system to fairly and effectively investigate and, where necessary, prosecute any of these potential crimes," the lawyers wrote. So far, 19 people — including Manafort — and three companies have been charged in Mueller's investigation. Three Trump aides from either the presidential campaign or the White House have pleaded guilty and are cooperating with the investigation. The other organizations in the coalition include The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN and Politico. Most Popular Medford gun supporters prepare for ballot showdown Apr 21 at 5:04 PM Police: Cat killed during fight between couple Apr 19 at 6:36 PM A long view of home Apr 19 at 6:56 PM Letters to the Editor, April 21 Apr 23 at 7:31 AM Nathan "Nate" Allen Joling Apr 25 at 8:51 AM Woman charged in $7,000 Victoria's Secret underwear theft Apr 20 at 4:58 PM Man sentenced for raping, assaulting wife Apr 20 at 7:14 AM Roller Derby benefits kids battling cancer Apr 20 at 5:32 PM Driver who struck bulls must pay $23,268 Apr 24 at 7:16 AM Data breach or 'bogeyman'? Apr 23 at 7:32 AM Motorcyclist killed in east Medford crash Apr 23 at 9:02 AM Community Builder: A cheerleader for Southern Oregon Apr 22 at 2:01 AM © Copyright 2006-2018 Rosebud Media LLC. All rights reserved. Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com ~ P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501