Judge ends lawsuit over interviews with Ohio riot inmates

Federal Judge Edmund Sargus says the state prison system has clarified the media policies that were criticized in the 2013 lawsuit (Shutterstock photo)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A judge has ended a lawsuit in which inmates and reporters challenged a ban on face-to-face media interviews with prisoners convicted for their roles in Ohio’s deadly 1993 prison riot.

Federal Judge Edmund Sargus says the state prison system has clarified the media policies that were criticized in the 2013 lawsuit by the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Sargus ruled last week that he’s satisfied with the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s update of their policy.

The lawsuit said the former system was inconsistent, especially when the backgrounds of other high-security prisoners granted access to reporters are reviewed.

Attorney Ray Vasvari (vas-VAHR’-ee) said a decision to appeal is being considered.

The 11-day siege left one guard and nine inmates dead.