Recording and filming in court: Should be open to the press

National Assembly delegates agreed with tightening regulations on audio and video recording in court, but said there should be more openness with the press.

On the morning of May 28, the National Assembly discussed in the hall a number of contents with different opinions in the draft revised Law on Organization of People's Courts. Among these were provisions on audio and video recording in court.

The National Assembly discussed the draft law on the organization of the People's Courts.

GIA HAN

According to the report on acceptance and revision of the draft, the National Assembly Standing Committee designed two options on the above content: First, recording the speech and images of the trial panel must have the consent of the presiding judge; recording the speech and images of other litigants and participants in the trial must have their consent and the consent of the presiding judge. Recording images at the trial and meeting can only be done during the opening of the trial, meeting and the pronouncement of the verdict and announcement of the decision. Second, it must be carried out in accordance with the provisions of procedural laws and relevant laws.

Be open to the press

Comments on the draft, delegates   Nguyen Thi Viet Nga, Hai Duong delegation, agreed with the regulation on audio and video recording, because this is necessary. Ms. Nga cited the fact that information about a number of recent cases was widely posted on unofficial information channels and social networks. Along with that are conflicting opinions from public opinion. These actions have created no small pressure on those with the authority to conduct proceedings; negatively affecting the trial and legal propaganda work, and the rights and legitimate interests of participants in the proceedings. The female delegate suggested considering two more contents on this issue. First, it is not advisable to limit the recording of only the opening and verdict, but also the recording. "If people are allowed to freely record audio and video, it will affect the trial process, more or less creating chaos," Ms. Nga said. The delegate also emphasized that in divorce trials and economic disputes, there are many private and business secrets, which, if edited and posted on social networks, will have a great impact. Meanwhile, handling violations on the internet is currently very difficult. Second, we should be more open with the group of reporters and press reporting at the trial. "These are people who are professionally and methodically trained, the information will certainly be more professional and objective," Ms. Nga commented. Sharing the same opinion, delegate Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap delegation) expressed agreement with the draft, but suggested adjusting it in the direction that reporters are allowed to record audio and video with the defendant if they agree. At the same time, reporters must record audio and video of the trial proceedings and be responsible for the recording. In addition, the head of the press agency must also be responsible if there is any cutting, editing, or sharing that is not in accordance with regulations.

Delegates Pham Van Hoa (left) and Nguyen Thi Viet Nga

GIA HAN

Protect personal privacy

Continuing to comment on the draft, delegate Phan Thi My Dung ( Long An delegation) supported the draft regulations on recording audio and images at court sessions and meetings. According to the female delegate, such regulations aim to ensure human rights, civil rights, especially personal and family images and secrets. During the trial, a lot of information and evidence was published but not verified, especially information about personal privacy, family secrets, business secrets, and even sensitive information... Therefore, this evidence needs to be considered and concluded by the trial panel in the verdict and decision. The Long An provincial delegate also commented that the provisions in the draft will contribute to ensuring solemnity in court, creating conditions for the trial panel to conduct the trial well, without being distracted by other factors. In addition, the draft law also stipulates that the court will record speech and images of the entire trial and meeting proceedings if necessary to serve professional tasks. The use and provision of speech and image recordings of the trial proceedings are carried out in accordance with the provisions of law. "This will ensure that the trial is conducted in accordance with the law, with quality and solemnity, creating favorable conditions for agencies, organizations and individuals to perform their functions, tasks and powers," said Ms. Dung.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ghi-am-ghi-hinh-tai-phien-toa-nen-coi-mo-voi-bao-chi-1852405281112167.htm