Courtroom Ban a Wake Up Call for Journalists

Obaj Okuj (OPINION) 

What happened today at the court was not only unfortunate but also a reminder of how fragile the trust in journalism can become when we fail to uphold our ethics and professional standards.

As journalists, we were all present on 1 October 2025 when Justice Dr James Alala made it clear: no recording, no filming. His instructions were direct and reasonable. He explained that broadcasting live testimony could influence witnesses waiting outside the courtroom, and that was why he asked us to pause our coverage until after the witnesses had given their statements.

This is what he said, and I quote:
“For the media, you might know the reason why you are withdrawn and taken there. You see, we are starting the processes of hearing the witnesses. And for the direct broadcasting, it is meaningless. If we tell the witness to stay outside, of course, they will go outside and start listening, using this direct broadcasting. And that’s why we are now telling you, just wait until we finish taking the statements from the witnesses.” End quote.

Despite this clear instruction, some among us, or perhaps members of the public, chose to record and later publish the voice of the fifth accused, Dr Riek Machar. That act, no matter how small it seemed, was a direct breach of court orders and a violation of professional integrity.

It has now backfired on all of us, resulting in tighter restrictions and a loss of trust between the media and court authorities.

Today, some of my colleagues and I who arrived early were denied entry. Even though we tried to enter as civilians without our phones, recorders, or cameras, as we were permitted by some security personnel, others recognised us and sent us out, claiming it was “an order from above”. Ironically, members of the public were still allowed to sit inside the courtroom. We were told to return home or go back to our respective media houses.

I raise this concern not to condemn anyone but to remind us of who we are. Journalism is founded on responsibility, not defiance. Our duty is to inform the public truthfully, without putting justice or fairness at risk. We owe that to our readers, our listeners, and to the profession itself.

Instead of fuelling arguments or blame, let us engage respectfully with the authorities and seek permission to continue our coverage in the right way. Let us report what happened honestly, acknowledging that the leak was wrong and that we, as journalists, can and must do better.

At the end of the day, our credibility depends not on how fast we publish the news, but on how faithfully we uphold the truth with integrity.

Obaj Okuj is a senior broadcast journalist at Eye Radio based in Juba, South Sudan.

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