14 DAY TRIAL // On Tuesday, Matthew Keys, the former Reuters deputy social media editor accused of helping Anonymous hackers deface the Los Angeles Times website, pleaded not guilty.
The Huffington Post reports that the journalist hasn’t made any statements, but his lawyer has provided some details regarding their defense.
The prosecution says Keys provided hackers with login credentials that allowed them to access the Tribune Company’s systems.
Keys’ attorney, Jay Leiderman, admits that his client had some conversations with Anonymous hacktivists in online chat rooms, but he only acted as an embedded journalist.
Lieberman claims that the login credentials were actually provided to the hackers by someone posing as Keys.
“This wasn't his work login. This was an all-access pass of sorts. His work login got him access to Fox 40, not all of Trib Co.,” Lieberman said.
After the indictment was unsealed, Reuters suspended the journalist with pay. However, on Monday, the media giant fired him.
Reuters told Keys that they were terminating him because of his coverage of the Boston bomber manhunt, but the journalist believes the decision might be related to the indictment.
In the meantime, Keys’ union plans to file a grievance.