00:00The Law Association says it condemns the publication and dissemination of the viral complainant's name, image and details of her statement to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, which are now circulating widely online.
00:17The Association reminds the public that Section 32 of the Sexual Offenses Act Chapter 1128 makes it a criminal offence to publish or broadcast any information likely to lead to the identification of a complainant in a sexual offences matter.
00:36The Law Association points out that the law is clear and it applies equally to traditional media outlets and social media users.
00:45It explains that the rationale behind this prohibition is to protect victims of sexual offences from further trauma, stigma and public scrutiny.
00:56It adds that the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information not only breaches the law but also undermines the dignity, privacy and safety of persons involved.
01:08The Association states that this troubling incident reflects a broader and increasingly prevalent trend in Trinidad and Tobago, the unauthorized leaking and sharing of police evidence, crime scene footage, witness statements and other sensitive information that ought to remain in the custody of the appropriate investigative authorities.
01:31It warns that this must not become the norm as the protection of the justice system depends on maintaining the confidentiality of such material until due process is followed.
01:43The Association urges all citizens, especially users of social media platforms, to refrain from sharing or reposting material that violates the law or causes harm to the individuals involved in this matter.
01:58Candy Hill, TV6 News.
02:01Candy Hill, TV6 News.
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