Australian commissioner calls for media blackout during terrorist operations
By Leah McBride Mensching, Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 20:20 :: Press Freedom & Laws :: #1175 :: rss
The Australian federal police commissioner's call for a media blackout during all terrorist operations, including ones gone awry, is going too far and has been “howled down,” the Herald Sun has reported Wednesday.
Commissioner Mick Keelty announced in a speech to the Sydney Institute Tuesday that no public comment should be made about investigations of terrorism until they are finalised in court. The Federal Opposition, civil liberties and media groups say Keelty's proposition actually undermines his own efforts to combat terrorism.
“Many argue that justice delayed is justice denied, and that justice includes the scrutiny of those responsible for upholding it,” Christopher Pyne, Opposition justice spokesman, told the Herald Sun. He said press freedom must be defended, as long as national security is not at risk, and that the Australian media has a stellar reputation of not crossing boundaries when it comes to sensitive national security concerns.
Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance Federal Secretary Christoper Warren told the Herald Sun that his group is very concerned about the proposal, as Keelty's speech indicates he does not understand the role of the media.
Michael Pearce, vice president for Victorian Council for Civil Liberties, SC, called Keelty's proposal “a ridiculous suggestion” and “an appalling idea.”
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