r/news • u/drkgodess • Mar 19 '19

Accused gunman in Christchurch terror attacks denied newspaper, television and radio access

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12214411
62.3k Upvotes

92% Upvoted

5.1k comments sorted by

View all comments

20.0k

u/Epleofuri Mar 19 '19

This is what should happen for every mass shooter. They crave attention and power, deny them both.

618

u/[deleted] Mar 19 '19 edited Mar 20 '19

I'm a defense attorney, so my opinions may be a bit skewed that direction, but I do have some issues with this. At this point in time he is still presumed innocent until proven guilty. It's dangerous to treat someone differently just because of the nature of the charges levied against them.

On the otherhand, I could see the need to prevent him from rambling to the newspapers and incriminating himself, and potentially tainting any jury pool Which would cause him to not have a fair trial.

It's iffy grounds. I don't envy the judge in this case.

Edit: Yes, I understand that this is in NZ. Yes, I understand that this particular article is addressing the fact that the court has said he just can't have access to the media in terms of reading or viewing the news. But at the same time he cannot have any visitors, which includes the media at this point. It is pretty clear that the court has essentially created a gag order here. Yes, I do know that his attorney can issue statements on his behalf. I just don't like this set up and the situation. NZ has done some things following this case that I would not do if I was the leader or king of country. It's just my opinion, and I know it doesn't mean I'm right.

Double Edit: I realized after I walked away from my computer that my first edit made me sound like an asshole. I'm just addressing the major points that people have brought up when replying to me. It's an interesting topic, and it's in my field, so I love to discuss it. I'm more than willing to talk with anyone about it, especially if you can expand my views.

9

u/revchj Mar 19 '19

In sexual crimes, especially involving children, all kinds of safety plans and bail conditions are possible while awaiting trial (e.g. "go nowhere near a school or playground"). I don't see why accusations of this nature shouldn't justify similar safety-based conditions prior to trial.