Court warns against harassment of media

MEDIA personnel should not be stopped from covering court cases, and allowed to do their jobs without fear or favour, according to a magistrate.
Magistrate Paul Puri Nii said yesterday in the Committal Court in Waigani that he was aware that some media personnel had been assaulted or harassed inside and outside court.
Nii said he supported the media’s role in reporting court cases.
“Section 24(b) of the Constitution empowers freedom of press in all public places which includes court rooms,” he said.
“(The) media is playing an important part in the access of information for the development of knowledge and understanding and therefore should not be interfered with.”
Nii warned that he would summon anyone who assaulted or interfered with media personnel in and outside of the court, and stopping reporters from covering cases.
“The media is the eyes and ears of the public,” he said.
“People need to be aware of what is happening in the courts.”
Police prosecutor Sgt Chris Iga agreed that reporters had the right to report on any court case and should not be stopped by anyone.