BY MELVILLE TITIULU
The Court of Appeal Clerk has warned members of the public, lawyers and journalists to switch off mobile phones or place them on flight mode and refrain from taking photos or videos during court proceedings.
The reminder follows recent breaches of courtroom protocol, including phones ringing during hearings and individuals allegedly recording proceedings.
One such incident occurred last Wednesday during a Court of Appeal hearing into the Attorney General’s appeal against a High Court ruling in favour of the majority opposition coalition.
Clerk reminded attendees that photography and video recording are strictly prohibited in court.
A similar disruption was recorded on Friday last week during a Magistrate’s Court session when a mobile phone rang multiple times.
The Principal Magistrate questioned the disturbance before the owner of the phone—later identified as a legal counsel who was asked to step outside.
“Please counsel, go outside and answer your phone. You are disturbing my proceedings,” the Magistrate said.
The Clerk emphasised that while courts remain open to the public under the principle of open justice, all attendees must respect courtroom rules and avoid actions that disrupt proceedings.
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