Egypt's Supreme Judicial Council has issued a decree banning both live broadcasts and taped recordings of court sessions by all media outlets. A meeting led by the council's head Ahmed Serry Siam, who is also the president of the Court of Cassation, prompted the resolution's enactment. The council issued a statement today that suggested the decree will also disallow media outlets from expressing views that might influence judges, witnesses, and the public in a way that favors one of the litigating parties. The council claimed its new decree ensures the independence and impartiality of the country's judicial systems. An earlier declaration by the council of its intention to impose the new restriction stirred controversy. Some view the proposed ban as a violation of society's right to information on the progress of court investigations, while judicial spokesmen argue courtroom photography turns court proceedings into a “circus”. “TV cameras may influence judges, lawyers and witnesses, who may be concerned about how they appear on camera, rather than concentrating on the lawsuit,” said secretary general for the judicial council Mohamed Eid Salem.
