Michael Shields and the Media: How Much is Too Much?

Novinite Insider » EDITORIAL | August 5, 2005, Friday // 00:00

by Petya Bondokova

Court battles have always been hot for journalists. And that's okay. No one should try to hamper reporters from covering a trial that will eventually have a major impact on political, economic or international affairs.

But alongside coverage comes personal opinion. Emotions as well, sometimes. And since the press is influencing people a great deal, court might not like all commentaries.

Bulgaria now has this issue high on the agenda. With the international media storm over Michael Shields, a court's verdict has been involved in a mixture of media speculations, comments, and emotional pleas.

Is that a basic right of journalists, or is that unrightful interference in judicial matters?

While there is no clear answer yet, Bulgarian and British media have already drawn daggers at each other.

Each side is hectically campaigning for a cause. Britons protest against the imprisonment of an "innocent man." Bulgarian colleagues are irritated by this reported attempt to influence jurors in a sovereign country.

The two sides are not exchanging fire - or at least not literally. But they are exchanging petitions to either support the jailed Briton, or leave Bulgarian court alone.

First there was the British press crusade to free Michael. Then Bulgarians counter-attacked with a campaign to keep UK reporters out of the courtroom. Two Bulgarian dailies are now publishing every day a letter to the Sun newspaper, telling them to stop pressing for freeing Shields.

So far so good. All media must have their own positions on important matters. Where is the problem then?

Probably in the stubbornness of both sides to fight for emotional causes.

UK journalists tend to ignore the fact that Bulgaria is a democratic country with independent courts. Verdicts can be challenged, but only with solid arguments. And if a reporter has something to say about the case and expect to have an impact, they'd better show up in courtroom.

If not, why label a verdict unfair and kick against it so bad?

But on the other hand, we should not be so hard on British colleagues. Because Bulgaria has been facing a dramatic development similar to that involving Shields. Five Bulgarian nurses are on the death row in Libya, found guilty of deliberately spreading AIDS among children. A serious crime resulting in the loss of innocent lives. Yet we, Bulgarian media, voice unconditional support for the convicted nurses, and seek assistance from international institutions to lobby for their acquittal.

Having an opinion is never a bad thing. It is just very important not to act on an impulse, and instead always seek solid facts.

In the end, no one would like their fate to be determined by someone else, and under stress of emotion.

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