By Tendai Chisiri
Legal Resources Foundation (LRF)has cautioned social media users for violating the rights of other citizens, including children by publishing names of minors in court cases.
A Greendale woman was recently arraigned before the courts on allegations of having sex with a 13 year old boy in Harare. The matter is still before the courts
In a press release, the LRF condemned the publication of the minor’s name by social media users.
“The advent of social media in Zimbabwe has seen the easy and quick dissemination of information within and outside the country”.
“However, there have been instances where social media has been used to violate the rights of other citizens, including children”.
“From the 24th of February 2021, social media has been awash with the news of a woman who had a sexual intercourse with a 13 year old boy in Harare”.
“Whilst the name of the child was not mentioned at first, subsequent articles circulated on social media published the name and school of the minor child”.
“The LRF notes with concern the publication of the child’s name in this matter which may result in the shaming, bullying, and ostracisation of the minor child”.
“The LRF states that • A child is a boy or girl who is below the age of 18 years and their individual acts or behaviour do not take away their status of being a child”.
“• Children have a Constitutional right to protection from sexual exploitation and all forms of abuse.
•The *Children’s Act[ Chapter 5:06] prohibits the publication of the name, address or school or any other information likely to reveal the identity of any child or young person who is or has been concerned in any proceedings in a children’s court”.
“•The Courts and Adjudicating Authorities( Publicity Restriction) Act [Chapter 7:04] prohibits the publication of Court proceedings involving persons under 18 years to protect their welfare” read the press release.
The LRF therefore asks members of the public to exercise restraint in further publicising the matter thereby causing further harm to the minor child involved.
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