Judge warns media against publishing detailed trial testimonies

The presiding judge in the ongoing trial involving suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven other accused has cautioned media outlets against publishing detailed accounts of court proceedings. Speaking during the 84th court session on Friday, Judge Dr. James Alala, who heads the three-judge panel, said he had observed that some media organizations were recording and publishing court proceedings and testimonies in full. Judge Alala advised journalists to report selected parts of the proceedings instead of publishing detailed testimonies of the accused. He further warned that the court could take unspecified measures if the practice continues. Dr. Alala also raised concerns about people entering the courtroom with mobile phones and directed security personnel to ensure that phones and recording devices are not brought into the court. The trial is being held at Freedom Hall in Juba. However, journalists and members of the public attending the hearings are subjected to multiple security screenings before entering the courtroom. Access to the venue involves searches at the main gate and additional checkpoints at the entrance to the hall. Mobile phones and other electronic devices are generally prohibited inside the court premises, and attendees are often required to leave them outside before entering the venue. When the Ministry of Justice launched the special court last year, officials said the proceedings would be open to the public and the media. During earlier sessions of the trial, Judge Alala also stated that the hearings were open to both the public and journalists. The post Judge warns media against publishing detailed trial testimonies appeared first on Eye Radio .