A judge of the British Bases who recently assumed duties asserted his authority over Cypriot media representatives who had rushed to cover the remand hearing of two suspects in the horrific case involving the deaths of two children.
Although the proceedings were open to the media and journalists followed the established reporting practice — sending written updates via mobile phones — the judge, for reasons that remain unclear, abruptly halted the process and prohibited the use of technology.
He refused even to hear explanations from journalists, who had covered the previous decision in the premeditated murder case in Ormideia a year earlier using exactly the same method. What is extraordinary is that paper and pens were then distributed to media representatives, who listened in disbelief as the judge effectively addressed the press within his ruling, offering guidance on what could and could not be reported.
At the end of the proceedings, a British Bases spokesperson apologised to the journalists and said the judge’s conduct would be raised with the Bases authorities.
N.X.
