The High Court judge has reserved her decision on whether to maintain the ‘superinjunction’ in Jevon McSkimming’s case, which currently disables the media and public from discussing the details. The Free Speech Union urges the Court to consider the damage to public trust caused by excessive secrecy, says Stephen Franks, Free Speech Union Council Member.

“The Court should uphold the speech rights of all New Zealanders by allowing the media, and therefore the public, to scrutinise matters of genuine public interest. The public should be free to discuss the conduct of their officials and form their own opinions on matters.

“The media play a crucial role in enabling Kiwis to seek and receive information. The High Court set a dangerous precedent by limiting this freedom. The public’s ability to discuss cases should be prioritised in court decisions.

“Even if a powerful individual is not charged or is found not guilty, the public should still have access to the facts in order to make their own informed judgments about his character.

“We urge the judge to consider the full weight of the damage done to public trust in courts, lawyers, and judges when they act as if only they can be trusted, while the ‘little people’ are kept in the dark.

“Suppression is bad, whatever the outcome.”

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