IHC issues notices on plea seeking ban on issuing suspects’ photos on social media

Issuing notices to the federal government, Islamabad Police and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday directed them to file their replies on a petition filed against the release of pictures of suspects on social media by the law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) in two weeks, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Aamer Farooq heard the case.  

Shah Zain Khan Mandokhel Advocate, the petitioner, said that now it had become a routine that the police and the FIA posted pictures of suspects on social media. “Those in custody are only suspects; they are not convicts,” he said, adding, “This act on the part of LEAs is a violation of the fundamental rights as laid down in the constitution.”

The petitioner went on to say that the LEAs did not even refrain from posting pictures of minors taken into custody in connection with different crimes. “This has negative effects on children’s psyche,” he opined.

Similarly, he said, the release of pictures on social media infringed upon the right of the defendant to have a fair trial.

He prayed to the court to declare this practice against the constitution.

The petitioner also sought court order for the LEAs as well as parties to the case not to share photos of suspects on social media.

The court adjourned the case’s hearing until the first week of October.