The Judiciary of Seychelles commemorated Press Freedom Day with an interactive engagement aimed at strengthening understanding and collaboration between Magistrates and members of the media.
The session brought together the Chairperson and members of the Seychelles Media Commission, the Chief Magistrate, Honourable Magistrates, and media professionals for an open and constructive dialogue on court reporting and access to information.
The engagement featured an informative presentation by Chief Magistrate Brigitte Confait, who provided insight into the functioning of the Magistrates’ Courts and highlighted the wide range of matters that present opportunities for responsible and impactful media coverage. Emphasis was placed on the importance of telling not only headline cases, but also the human stories that emerge from the justice system.
This was followed by an in-depth discussion session, during which key issues surrounding media coverage of court proceedings were explored. Magistrates and journalists engaged in meaningful exchanges on the boundaries and limitations of reporting, particularly in sensitive matters involving minors. The need to preserve privacy, dignity, and the integrity of judicial processes was strongly emphasised.
Participants also discussed access to information, including where and how journalists can obtain accurate court records while respecting procedural safeguards. Magistrates encouraged media professionals to rely on verified court information or attend proceedings directly, cautioning against sole reliance on police communiqués, which may at times be incomplete or inaccurate.
A significant portion of the dialogue focused on the work of the Family Tribunal, with journalists expressing interest in covering issues such as alimony, matters affecting children, and the role of agencies like social services. Magistrates acknowledged the importance of highlighting these issues in the public interest, while stressing the need to balance reporting with the protection of vulnerable individuals and families.
The Seychelles Media Commission played an active role in the discussions, contributing valuable perspectives on media standards and regulation. Ongoing discussions are being pursued to further strengthen collaboration between the Judiciary and the Commission, with a view to ensuring that media professionals are well-supported, guided, and regulated in line with their mandate.
The Judiciary of Seychelles views this engagement as an important step towards building stronger relationships with the media, fostering greater transparency, and encouraging informed and responsible reporting on matters before the courts.