Victoria, Seychelles – This morning on Monday 6 May 2024, the Judiciary of Seychelles in partnership with the Media Commission, held an inaugural lecture focusing on “The Legal Implications of Covering Murder Trials and Other Sensitive Cases.”
The event aimed to provide journalists with valuable insights into the complexities of reporting on trials and to foster a deeper understanding of the legal ramifications involved. Given the recent increase in murder trials and their heightened public interest, this topic resonated with many in the media industry.
The session, held at the Palais de Justice, featured two esteemed speakers: President of the Bar Association, Mr. Divino Sabino, and experienced lawyer, Mr. Anthony Juliette.
Mr. Sabino
Mr. Sabino discussed the impact that media coverage of murder trials can have on public perception of justice and outlined the legal risks for media houses when covering sensitive court cases. He emphasized the importance of responsible journalism to ensure that justice is not compromised by sensationalized reporting.
Mr. Juliette
Mr. Juliette took the stage to address how media coverage could affect the defendant’s case and the lawyers involved in the trial, whether on the defense or prosecution side. He highlighted the ethical responsibilities of journalists when reporting on sensitive matters and the potential consequences of misrepresentation or speculative reporting.
The event concluded with a lively plenary session, led by Ms. Tessa Henderson, Secretary of the Media Commission, and Mrs. Sasha Alis, Head of Public Relations for the Judiciary. This session allowed journalists to ask questions and engage in an open dialogue about the challenges they face in court reporting. Discussions revolved around where journalists can find accurate information when interviews with lawyers are not feasible, why certain information cannot be shared during a trial, and other procedural questions related to court coverage.
The session was well-attended, with participants from various backgrounds, including representatives from the Media Department of the University of Seychelles, the Attorney General’s Office, the Transparency Initiative, and other stakeholders. The diverse audience demonstrated the growing interest in ensuring that court reporting is accurate, ethical, and legally sound.
Ms. Tessa Henderson being interviewed by the media after the session
The Judiciary and the Media Commission are committed to fostering better communication and understanding between the media and the legal system. This event marks the beginning of a series of lectures designed to support journalists in covering court cases more effectively and responsibly. Future sessions will feature speakers from other relevant agencies, such as the Police and the Attorney General’s Office, to offer further insights into how these branches of government operate and how journalists can better source information.
By hosting events like this, the Judiciary and the Media Commission aim to build stronger connections with the media, enhance the quality of court reporting, and ensure that the public receives accurate and balanced information. The success of this inaugural lecture paves the way for continued collaboration and education, benefiting both the media industry and the justice system in Seychelles.
Those interested in viewing the slides from Mr. Divino Sabino’s presentation can do so by clicking here.