October 10, 2008

Media Statement

Fairfax Media Welcomes Court Decision On

Terrorism File Contempt Charge

Fairfax media and The Dominion Post have welcome the High Court's ruling that publishing material that became know as the terror files was not in contempt of court.

"We note the Court's comments about the breach of suppression orders and the use of extracts from intercepted communications, and will take these into account as we study the ruling in depth," Fairfax Media group editor John Crowley said.

"The Police raids were unprecedented in modern history.

"Our position throughout has been that in publishing we sought to put the issue in perspective for the public, and in the process take away much of the perceived menace that was abroad as a result of the fragmented coverage taking place.

"We believe our coverage achieved this important role."

Editor of The Dominion Post, Tim Pankhurst, said that within its coverage the newspaper strived to reach a fair balance between the rights of the public to know with the rights of those being charged.

"Our primary contention is that it was possible for the right of free expression to co-exist with the right to a fair trial,'' he said.

"We fully appreciated the significance of our publication, and no decisions were made lightly."

Mr Crowley said Fairfax Media would study the Court's decision in more detail before making further comment.

ENDS

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