Supreme Court nominee, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, has stated his opposition to the suppression of investigative journalism, even when such actions are intended to protect the image of the judiciary.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, Justice Dzamefe emphasized that the judiciary has no authority to silence the media, so long as journalists act responsibly and report the truth.
“But generally, I wouldn’t recommend repression. And then, again, you don’t know if you want to do that. So out of what is true, I would recommend suppression. No, I wouldn’t. One is fair.”
He was responding to a question on how to balance the protection of the judiciary’s reputation with media freedom and public accountability.
Justice Dzamefe made it clear that journalists are free to cover judicial matters, provided their reports are accurate and grounded in fact.
He further advised media practitioners to verify their information and seek clarification when necessary, rather than relying on assumptions or perceptions.
“We can’t gag the press so far as they do a good job and they don’t misinform us. We don’t have any authority to guard them. The only guideline is that make sure what you report on is the truth. The press can come to report on cases or come to do anything with the judiciary. We don’t have the power to stop them. But just make sure that what you are reporting or what you report on is the truth and it’s fair. And then, as fast as possible, do follow-ups before you come out. If you don’t understand, ask, don’t report on perceptions.”
