Judges to weigh release of bridge case conspirators list

A federal appeals court is going to decide whether to release a list of unindicted co-conspirators in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments Monday in Philadelphia.

Media organizations including The Associated Press are seeking access to the list.

Two former allies of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were indicted last year for allegedly orchestrating traffic jams near the bridge as political payback against a mayor who didn’t support the Republican governor’s re-election.

A judge in Newark ordered the list released last month. But an unidentified person filed to block its release, saying he will be branded a criminal even though he hasn’t been charged.

At issue is whether the list is considered supporting evidence to the indictment and therefore a publicly accessible document.