Disclosure of Information on Criminal Proceedings with Respect to the Presumption of Innocence
Balancing the right of the media to inform the public about criminal proceedings, due to the right of the public to receive information, against the accused’s right to the presumption of innocence, privacy and a fair trial is a delicate process.
The present report aims to evaluate the range of existing instruments – both national and international – that set minimum standards and provide recommendations for both judicial authorities and the media when reporting about a suspect or accused in criminal proceedings. Through this analysis, similar themes will be determined, as well as identifying national variations in their application. The issues identified will form the foundation for a new international instrument, which will set out a comprehensive guide for disclosure.
