Rape case against Goa MLA: CWC issues guidelines for media

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) today issued guidelines for journalists asking them to maintain privacy of the girl who has accused expelled Congress MLA Atanasio Monserratte of raping her, hours after a local court sought clarification from a police officer over "leak" of details to media pertaining to investigations.
"The CWC (North district) has taken a serious view as the whereabouts of the girl and her origin are being published in a few newspapers fromMay 5, 2016 onwards, without following the provisions of laws and media ethics," it said here in a statement issued through Goa Information and Publicity department.

Earlier in the day, a local court sought explanation from the Superintendent of Police (Goa Crime Branch) on how details of investigation in connection with the rape case were getting "leaked" to the media.
The girl, who claims to be 16, had alleged that she was bought and raped by Monserratte in March.
A section of media had reported the statement of the girl recorded before CWC.
Directing the print and electronic media to ensure the privacy and safety of the minor girl, the CWC stated that "in no way the privacy of the girl should be compromised as her safety is of a paramount importance".

The CWC pointed out that news reports were published giving details about the past of the girl.

"It would be unethical to provide the news or comment about the said minor victim girl, without having authentic information," the CWC observed.
The panel urged the media to follow certain ethics in collecting and disseminating the information such as authenticity of news, using restrained language for ensuring objectivity and fairness in reporting and keeping in mind its effects on the girl.
"The victim of rape has to live as a survivor and it is a responsibility of each stakeholder, including media, to ensure the prevention of traumatisation of the victim child again and again," the statement said.

"In the interest of the victim and in the interest of justice, journalists have to exercise certain restraint and follow the conduct of responsible reporting.
"Victims, witnesses, suspects and accused should not be given excessive publicity as it may amount to invasion of their privacy," it stated.
The court today extended by four days the police custody of Monserratte and the mother of the victim.