International   

U.K. media protests ruling on confidentiality

By Hasan Suroor

LONDON JULY 11. A controversial court ruling, involving the news agency Reuters and four of Britain's most prominent newspapers, has evoked a sharp reaction in view of its implications for the right of journalists to protect their sources.

The right is guaranteed in English law and also protected under the European Convention on human rights, but subject to exceptions. The ruling by the House of Lords means that The Times, The Financial Times, The Guardian, The Independent and Reuters must surrender a crucial document relating to a story they carried last year on an alleged takeover bid by a Belgian brewer, Interbrew.

It is feared that once the document — sent to them by an anonymous source — are returned, the source might also be compromised, making it difficult for journalists to pursue investigative stories in future. Representatives of Interbrew are to visit the offices of the five media organisations on Friday to collect the documents which the company alleges were doctored to suggest an imminent attempt by it to take over South African Breweries.

Editors could face contempt of court proceedings if they refuse to comply with the ruling, which arose out of their appeal against a High Court judgment ordering them to surrender the document.

The House of Lords refused to hear their appeal, sending shockwaves through the media establishment and there was even talk of taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

The Law Lords' ruling is the second judicial verdict in a month that, it is feared, would severely restrict journalists' ability to ensure the confidentiality of their sources.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• We can't ensure end to infiltration: Pak.
• Crisis as Turkey's Foreign Minister quits
• South Korea gets first woman PM
• Sinha to discuss peace process with Ranil
• U.K. media protests ruling on confidentiality
• Bill to arm pilots goes to Senate
• 5-year RI for Benazir's father-in-law
• Another case of police brutality surfaces
• Court upholds norm for Pak. candidates
• Poll announcement brings little cheer
• Media centre with Indian links to close down
• China, Nepal agree to firm up ties
• Looking for chinks in Chandrika's armour

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu