THE OFFICE of Chief Justice has appealed to media houses to desist from photographing prisoners in the custody of police officers in the precincts of courthouses.
A statement issued yesterday under the signature of Rosemarie Harris, acting registrar of the Supreme Court, said, "The practice is in breach of the law. Section 33 (1) of the Criminal Justice Act prohibits this type of conduct."
The statement said that while media persons have been warned to desist, the practice has continued.
"This memorandum serves to advise you that any such future conduct will be dealt with according to law," said the acting registrar.
She warned that the Chief Justice would be urging the Government to increase the penalty for the offence "as it is the view that the small fine is no deterrent and this is why the practice is continuing."
The current fine is a maximum of $20 or one month's imprisonment.
