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LAHORE, Oct 03 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed authorities to ensure the protection of fundamental rights of under-custody accused, emphasizing dignity, fair trial, and protection against self-incrimination.
The court passed the directions while allowing a petition filed by Vishal Ahmad Shakir challenging the practice of recording interviews/confessional statements of under-custody accused by the mainstream media and Vloggers.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa, in a detailed written order issued on Friday, barred law enforcement agencies from facilitating media interviews or recording confessional statements of accused persons, terming such practices a violation of constitutional rights and a threat to due process.
The court ruled that any violation would constitute misconduct, with responsibility placed on the heads of investigating agencies to ensure strict compliance. It further stressed that media regulatory bodies must curb practices that compromise the dignity and liberties of citizens.
The order also condemned the humiliation of citizens at checkpoints for publicity purposes, warning that law enforcement cannot seek media attention at the cost of individual rights.
It is pertinent to mention here that the court had restrained public functionaries from exposing under-trial/custody suspects to media coverage during the hearing of the petition on December 14, 2024.