EDITORIAL
Talks within the corridors of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) blaming the media for reporting on leaked affidavits submitted by persons questioned by the anti-graft body cannot be left unchallenged.
Some officials in the ACC say the statements will cause damage to the high profile Fishrot case, especially considering that the authors are yet to testify in court.
But members of the media didn’t go to the ACC’s office – or that of the prosecutor-general, for that matter – to steal those statements.
In fact, instead of pointing fingers at the media, they should look closer to home and tighten their safekeeping processes.
Journalists are hardly surprised when blame-shifters use them as a scapegoat. Politicians are champions of the blame game, especially when uttering off-the-cuff statements and later blaming the press for misquoting them.
As the fourth estate, we have full confidence that our courts are independent to pass fair judgment in this matter and that media reports will in no way undermine proceedings and the administration of justice.
On the flip side, the media reports on this case can help to unearth more information the ACC was not privy to.
There is no trial by media taking place; only media keeping citizens informed as far as the case is concerned.
The ACC does not have the omniscient handbook or monopoly in the fight against corruption in the country. We all have a role to play and the responsibility to fight this evil cannot be left in the hands of one institution.
Some officials in the ACC say the statements will cause damage to the high profile Fishrot case, especially considering that the authors are yet to testify in court.
But members of the media didn’t go to the ACC’s office – or that of the prosecutor-general, for that matter – to steal those statements.
In fact, instead of pointing fingers at the media, they should look closer to home and tighten their safekeeping processes.
Journalists are hardly surprised when blame-shifters use them as a scapegoat. Politicians are champions of the blame game, especially when uttering off-the-cuff statements and later blaming the press for misquoting them.
As the fourth estate, we have full confidence that our courts are independent to pass fair judgment in this matter and that media reports will in no way undermine proceedings and the administration of justice.
On the flip side, the media reports on this case can help to unearth more information the ACC was not privy to.
There is no trial by media taking place; only media keeping citizens informed as far as the case is concerned.
The ACC does not have the omniscient handbook or monopoly in the fight against corruption in the country. We all have a role to play and the responsibility to fight this evil cannot be left in the hands of one institution.
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