AP files lawsuit against Wis. Department of Corrections over video showing grenade detonation

AP files lawsuit over video of grenade detonation

MADISON, Wis. — The Associated Press has filed a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Department of Corrections seeking the release of a video that shows a powerful stinger grenade exploding after a prison guard dropped it inside a prisoner’s cell.

The lawsuit filed Monday in Dane County Circuit Court alleges that the Corrections Department’s refusal to release the tape violates the state open records law.

In refusing the AP’s request on July 29, the department said releasing the tape threatened safety and security in the prison because it would reveal limitations in its surveillance system.

The AP’s lawsuit contends that was a false explanation because the video was taken by a hand-held camera, not a surveillance camera.

Corrections spokesman John Dipko didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.