Photography

In a first-of-its-kind prosecution, a Chinese graduate student pleaded guilty to violating the United States Espionage Act when he flew a drone and photographed U.S. military and naval installations. The plea deal does not create any legal precedent, and U.S. prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia never explicitly accused Fengyun Shi of spying on behalf of the Chinese government. However, the case itself carries implications for the right to photograph or gather news. Shi agreed to plead guilty [PDF] to two counts of “unlawful photographing of designated installation without authorization.” Both are misdemeanor charges that carry a potential sentence of one year in prison and a fine of $100,000. He also faces deportation back to China.