Should I seek media coverage for my case?

• Media coverage can be a dangerous way of seeking support for your case. It can damage your defence - and your reputation - in ways that are hard to predict or control. Before taking this step, speak to your lawyer and any charity that is helping you.
   
• It is important to understand the risks of media coverage. We have included some examples below:
   The local law might treat speaking to journalists as a ‘contempt of court’, which can attract fines or even prison sentences.
   You could damage your defence by angering local prosecutors or judges by ‘going public’ with your complaints. You may also inadvertently weaken your own case by publicising details about your defence, as the investigation authorities could take advantage by re-tailoring the prosecution case against you.
   Media coverage could put pressure on your family and friends.
   Journalists are interested in getting a good story. That might coincide with wanting to expose injustice or ill-treatment, but not necessarily. Your interests might be secondary to theirs.
   Once you have given information to a journalist, s/he can investigate and report on the case without your input and publish information without your consent or involvement. Once this process has started, it can be hard to control.
   You may get sympathetic coverage in your country of origin. However, media coverage in your country of arrest may not be sympathetic. This may impact the way you are treated in custody.

This is not a substitute for legal advice and, because every case is different and legal systems around the world vary so much, we cannot guarantee that the answers will be applicable to your own case. For advice about your own situation, you should talk to a lawyer qualified in the jurisdiction where you are being prosecuted.

The information contained in this document is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice, nor does it constitute legal advice. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, Fair Trials International makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or applicability to individual cases of the information contained in this leaflet. Any reliance you place on such material is therefore strictly at your own risk. Fair Trials International disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any loss or damage of any kind arising from the use of the information provided. 

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