Press gagged in Gibson trial

Press gagged in Gibson trial

Justice Indra Charles on Friday forbid the press as well as members of the public from discussing the ongoing bribery case of former Cabinet minister Shane Gibson.

In an unexpected turn of events, Justice Charles summoned the media to her courtroom for what she called “a matter of great importance”.

Justice Charles said she personally read articles in the printed press that could have affected the fairness of the trial.

She later advised the court that she is drafting an order that will in effect prevent the newspapers, the public – including social media platforms Twitter and WhatsApp, as well as talk shows from further commenting or disseminating any information related to the trial.

While she admitted it is difficult to monitor the public, Justice Charles said she will be calling on Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson for assistance.

An official gag order is expected to be served to all media houses next week.