A recent incident involving the rape of a female doctor working at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital in her room has drawn significant attention.
Police officers conducted an investigation into the matter, arrested the suspect, and presented him before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court.
When a criminal offense is committed, it is a legal requirement to report the facts to the relevant Magistrate’s Court through a ‘B’ report. Accordingly, a ‘B’ report has been submitted to the Honorable Court regarding this incident.
It is also legally required to include important facts from the victim’s statement in the ‘B’ report, especially since it should come to the attention of the Honorable Magistrate.
Certain media outlets have published news quoting the statement of the victim doctor as mentioned in the ‘B’ report related to the Anuradhapura incident. The police strongly emphasize that these media reports have caused prejudice and inconvenience to the victim.
This is not the first time that some media outlets have taken such actions. The police regret to inform that, in this case as well, certain media reports have adversely affected the investigation and future legal proceedings, including displaying photographs of the suspect.
Legal Provisions Regarding Media Reporting on Criminal Investigations
Several legal provisions prohibit the publication of information related to criminal investigations and cases, as outlined below:
- Penal Code (Amended by Act No. 22 of 1995, Section 365)
- It is illegal to print or publish any information that reveals the identity of victims in cases involving:
- Sexual assault
- Indecent assault
- Sexual exploitation of children
- Rape
- Incest
- Unnatural offenses
- Gross indecency between persons
- Additionally, publishing details related to a court proceeding without the court’s consent is an offense.
- It is illegal to print or publish any information that reveals the identity of victims in cases involving:
- Victims and Witnesses of Crime Assistance and Protection Act No. 10 of 2023
- This law prohibits disclosing any details that may reveal the identity of victims, witnesses, or informants.
- Negligence Law
- If media coverage causes harm to a victim, a civil lawsuit may be filed against the relevant media institution under the law of negligence.
Consequences of Irresponsible Media Reporting
The police have observed that media coverage of criminal investigations without legal consideration has resulted in the following issues:
- Threats and Harassment to Victims: The publication of victims’ identities can expose them to further danger.
- Obstruction of Identification Parades: Publishing suspect photographs can interfere with police procedures.
- Distortion of Investigations: Exaggerating or misreporting information may compromise legal proceedings.
- Encouraging Criminal Activity: Disseminating certain investigative details may indirectly aid future crimes.
The Police Media Division urges media outlets to adhere to ethical reporting standards and respect the legal protections in place for victims of sexual violence.
