Scribes sensitised on reporting rape cases
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 24 2012:
A one-day state level consultation workshop on 'Media Ethics in Reporting of Rape Cases' has been organised by Manipur alliance for Child Rights (MACR) in association with All Manipur working Journalists' Union at Manipur Press Club today.
Pointing out that on top of the Juvenile Justice Act providing clear definition about reporting on cases of rape journalists should take extra care to ensure that publication of such incidents do not have long-lasting negative impact on the victims, MACR convenor K Pradeep opined that the safest way of reporting such cases would be for the media persons to adhere to prescribed guidelines.
Acknowledging that media establishments of Manipur frequently face pressure situation from various section of the society, he desired that inspite of pressure tactics employed by individuals or groups media houses should give utmost priority on special protection of the rape victims, particularly the young victims.
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Further suggesting that details of the victims should not be disclosed at the time of reporting, Pradeep also highlighted that under Juvenile Justice Act publication of details of under-aged victims (below 18 years) is liable for Rs 25,000 penalty against the defaulting newspaper(s) .
Legal Services Authority's member secretary A Guneshwor reminded that inspite of Indian constitution upholding freedom of speech principle certain restrictions are imposed against the media with regard to reporting on rape of minor victims and publication of news items that pose threat to national security.
While AIR News Editor Dr A Ibomcha Sharma urged the media persons to take extreme care in reporting rape cases, Imphal correspondent of Seven Sisters Post Y Rupachandra emphasised on the need to organise such consultation workshop to enable the media persons have in-depth information about dos and don'ts of reporting.
Rupachandra also mooted that NGOs involved in ensuring justice for the rape victims too need to exercise extreme caution rather than insisting that media houses cover/publish horrific experiences of the victims.
AMWJU president A Mobi was the moderator of the workshop which was also attended by a number of representatives of NGOs and political organisations.