Recording and filming in court: Should be open to the press
Báo Thanh niên•28/05/2024
National Assembly delegates agreed with tightening regulations on audio and video recording in court, but said that more openness should be given to the press.
On the morning of May 28, the National Assembly discussed in the hall a number of contents with different opinions in the draft revised Law on Organization of People's Courts. Among these were provisions on audio and video recording in court.
The National Assembly discussed the draft law on the organization of the People's Court, amended
GIA HAN
According to the report on receiving and revising the draft, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly designed two options for the above content: First, recording the speech and images of the trial panel must have the consent of the presiding judge; recording the speech and images of other litigants and participants in the trial must have their consent and the consent of the presiding judge. Recording images at the trial and meeting can only be done during the opening of the trial, meeting and the pronouncement of the verdict and announcement of the decision. Second, it must be carried out in accordance with the provisions of procedural laws and relevant laws.
Be open to the press
Comments on the draft, delegates Nguyen Thi Viet Nga, Hai Duong delegation, agreed with the regulation on audio and video recording, because this is necessary. Ms. Nga cited the fact that information about some recent cases was widely posted on unofficial information channels and social networks. Along with that are conflicting opinions from public opinion. These actions have created no small amount of pressure on those with the authority to conduct proceedings; negatively affecting the trial and legal propaganda work, and the rights and legitimate interests of participants in the proceedings. The female delegate suggested considering two more contents on this issue. First, we should not limit the recording of only the opening and sentencing sessions, but also limit the recording of audio. "If people are allowed to freely record audio and video, it will affect the trial process, more or less creating chaos," Ms. Nga said. The delegate also emphasized that in divorce trials and economic disputes, there are many private and business secrets, which if edited and posted on social networks, will have a great impact. Meanwhile, handling violations on the network environment is currently very difficult. Second, we should be more open with the group of reporters and press reporting at the trial. "These are people who are professionally and methodically trained, the information will certainly be more professional and objective," Ms. Nga commented. Sharing the same opinion, delegate Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap delegation) expressed agreement with the draft, but suggested adjusting it in the direction that reporters are allowed to record audio and video with the defendant if they agree. At the same time, reporters must record audio and video of the trial proceedings and be responsible for the recording. In addition, the head of the press agency must also be responsible if there is any cutting, sharing that is not in accordance with regulations.
Delegates Pham Van Hoa (left) and Nguyen Thi Viet Nga
GIA HAN
Protect personal privacy
Continuing to comment on the draft, delegate Phan Thi My Dung (Long An delegation) supported the draft regulations on recording audio and images at court sessions and meetings. According to the female delegate, such regulations aim to ensure human rights, civil rights, especially images and personal and family secrets. During the trial, a lot of information and evidence was published but not verified, especially information about personal privacy, family secrets, business secrets, and even sensitive information... Therefore, this evidence needs to be considered and concluded by the trial panel in the verdict and decision. The Long An provincial delegate also commented that the provisions as drafted will contribute to ensuring solemnity in court, creating conditions for the trial panel to conduct the trial well, without being distracted by other factors. In addition, the draft law also stipulates that the court will record speech and images of the entire trial and meeting proceedings in necessary cases to serve professional tasks. The use and provision of speech and image recording results of the trial proceedings are carried out in accordance with the provisions of law. "This will ensure that the trial is conducted in accordance with the law, with quality and solemnity, creating favorable conditions for agencies, organizations and individuals to perform their functions, tasks and powers," said Ms. Dung.
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