Police ask news media not to prejudice trial
PA Wellington Police have warned the news media against publishing material that might prejudice a fair trial of two persons facing charges in connection with the Rainbow Warrior bombing. At a press conference in Wellington yesterday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ken Thompson, made a plea for caution over news reports linking Rainbow Warrior investigations in France with persons in custody in New Zealand. Drawing links could prejudice a trial, he said. “We must ensure that they (the persons facing Charges) receive the benefit of a fair trial. I am concerned that world-wide in-
terest could lead to a fair trial being prejudiced. “There is a complex, intense and sustained investigation under way and, while I am obviously very conscious of world-wide interest, the police cannot afford to be drawn into that area for fear of prejudicing any New Zealand trials.” Mr Thompson said he had reason to believe that some material that might be published would be in contempt of court. “Some material, which I have no intention of identifying, has sailed fairly close
to the wind ... and some other material has been bandied about.” He said the desire by the news media to be first with a good story and the rerunning of overseas news in connection with the bombing was not serving the “basis of British justice.” “Our total effort must remain one of putting those believed responsible for the bombing before the Court.” Mr Thompson said he was not giving the news media a directive, but drawing attention to the issue.
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Press, 10 August 1985, Page 8
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263Police ask news media not to prejudice trial Press, 10 August 1985, Page 8
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