Setting precedent: Prosecution told not to brief media

Defence lawyer complains that prosecution was putting the accused through a public trial.

KARACHI:

After the defense objected, the judge barred the prosecution from briefing the media.

Defence lawyer Niamat Ali Randhwa complained that Special Public Prosecutor Muhammad Khan Buriro was putting the accused through a media trial. Randhawa and MR Syed talked to the media later and briefed them about the day's proceedings, which naturally was portrayed in favour of the accused. No senior lawyer practising criminal law could recall such a precedent by a judge.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2011.