Three media houses were yesterday granted access to certain documents relating to the corruption trial of former police head Jackie Selebi.
Three media houses were yesterday granted access to certain documents relating to the corruption trial of former police head Jackie Selebi.
"It seems to have been resolved amicably by the state, the accused's legal team and yourself," Judge Meyer Joffe said in the Johannesburg high court.
The defence, state and representatives from Avusa, Mail and Guardian and Independent Newspapers earlier held a discussion in chambers about being given access to the documents.
The judge then told the media houses they could obtain documents handed over as evidence, as well as access to some statements.
They would not be granted access to documents admitted provisionally and not yet proven in court.
The judge said the media would take the risk on reporting on affidavits that had been proven, but only portions which were referred to in court.
"It may well be that there are variances in affidavits ... It would be unfortunate if a wrong impression is sent out into the world ... The press takes a burden and a risk if they were to not indicate the distinction between the affidavit and the court evidence."
Lawyers for the media houses said they were happy with the deal.
Selebi faces charges of corruption and of defeating the ends of justice. - Sapa
COURT VICTORY FOR MEDIA
Three media houses were yesterday granted access to certain documents relating to the corruption trial of former police head Jackie Selebi.
Three media houses were yesterday granted access to certain documents relating to the corruption trial of former police head Jackie Selebi.
"It seems to have been resolved amicably by the state, the accused's legal team and yourself," Judge Meyer Joffe said in the Johannesburg high court.
The defence, state and representatives from Avusa, Mail and Guardian and Independent Newspapers earlier held a discussion in chambers about being given access to the documents.
The judge then told the media houses they could obtain documents handed over as evidence, as well as access to some statements.
They would not be granted access to documents admitted provisionally and not yet proven in court.
The judge said the media would take the risk on reporting on affidavits that had been proven, but only portions which were referred to in court.
"It may well be that there are variances in affidavits ... It would be unfortunate if a wrong impression is sent out into the world ... The press takes a burden and a risk if they were to not indicate the distinction between the affidavit and the court evidence."
Lawyers for the media houses said they were happy with the deal.
Selebi faces charges of corruption and of defeating the ends of justice. - Sapa