Guidelines for media on photography or video-taping of suspects escorted by law enforcement officers to public places

Question:

Ms Sylvia Lim: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether any guidelines are given to media organisations regarding the taking of photographs or videos of suspects escorted by law enforcement officers to public places; and (b) how are the integrity of the investigation process and the presumption of innocence safeguarded in such situations.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The general approach we take is not to disclose the identities of suspects before they are charged in Court. However, when suspects are escorted by law enforcement officers to public places, it is inevitable that photographs or videos of the suspects may be taken.

2. Law enforcement agencies do give guidelines to the media on their expected conduct at locations to where the suspect may be brought. Cordons are put in place, where necessary.

3. Respectable media organisations are aware that a person is not considered guilty until proven so in a court of law. That principle guides their reporting. Should any media organisation cross that line, they may be held liable for contempt of court.