Justice Department won’t compel journalist James Risen to reveal anonymous source

WASHINGTON — A source familiar with the case says the Justice Department will not compel New York Times reporter James Risen to testify about his source at an upcoming trial of a former CIA officer accused of leaking classified information.

The source said it has been ruled out that he will be called to testify about his source. The source, who was not authorized to discuss the case by name in advance of an official announcement, spoke on condition of anonymity.

A federal judge in Virginia gave the agency until this coming Tuesday to announce whether they would call Risen in the upcoming trial of Jeffrey Sterling. The source said it was still possible the Justice Department would seek testimony from Risen, but not about his source.

Judy Woodruff spoke to Risen in October about the challenges whistleblowers face when they challenge the federal government.