Judiciary has issued a statement against Gov’t harassment of journalists at Mlimani Law Court in Nairobi.
In a statement seen by the K47 digital news team, Judicial note: “The attention of the Judiciary has been drawn to a video clip circulating in sections of media, showing uniformed police officers harassing journalists who were covering a story
at the Milimani Law Courts.
“The Judiciary espouses the principles of transparency, civic participation and accountability. Unless otherwise directed, the Judiciary does not bar the media from covering cases within its precincts.
“The Judiciary believes that media presence in court denotes permanent civic vigilance over the exercise of judicial authority, which is delegated to the Judiciary by the Kenyan people.
“Freedom of the media is secured under Article 34 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. We condemn in the strongest terms any harassment of the media in their line of duty, anywhere and particularly within court precincts.
“We expect all persons, especially our justice sector partners, to exhibit the highest standards of conduct in our courtrooms and within court precincts.
“The conduct of all justice actors must at all times promote and uphold the rule of law and build public confidence in the justice system.
“The Judiciary reaffirms its commitment to upholding media freedom, the rights of journalists and the rule of law.”
