Names, Photo Ban on State Witnesses

All media outlets in Fiji are prohibited from publishing the names or photos of prosecution witnesses who gave evidence during a drug trial at the High Court in Lautoka.

This court order was issued yesterday by Justice Aruna Aluthge on the third day of the high-profile meth drug trial.

Three witnesses testified in the case involving nine men charged in connection with Fiji's largest drug bust in December 2023, which involved 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku, applied to the judge for an order prohibiting all media outlets from taking photographs or videos of State witnesses, or publishing their names.

Mr Rabuku stressed that the order was crucial for the safety of the witnesses.

He said the ban would help protect the identities of those involved in the legal proceedings, especially when their safety or well-being could be at risk.

Mr Rabuku said the order would help protect witnesses from potential harm, intimidation, or retaliation.

Justice Aluthge stated that such orders are meant to safeguard the privacy and safety of those involved, especially when there is a risk of harm or intimidation.

He noted that during the trial on Monday, a video was recorded inside the courtroom and shared on social media, which violated court protocol.

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