A fresh provocation came from British Bases judge Carl Gumsley at the Dhekelia court, who, through an unprecedented decision with… colonial echoes, restricted press freedom and warned journalists they could face criminal charges for contempt if they did not comply.

Instead of starting the hearing properly to read charges against a father in the death of his two children — a trial that was not held behind closed doors — he devoted a large portion of the session to the media. He imposed restrictions on journalists that have not been seen in decades, neither in the courts of the Republic of Cyprus nor in the British Bases courts.

Mr Gumsley cited a specific provision in the legislation of England and Wales that allows, he said, a judge to instruct journalists not to report all information from open trials.

The issue arose when, at the previous hearing, paper and pencils were distributed to journalists, who were prohibited from live broadcasting — the usual practice is via written messages. Essentially, as the judge announced, he will decide case by case when live coverage is permitted, when notes should be taken, and at the end of each hearing, journalists will be told what they may report.

The extraordinary element is that journalists wishing to broadcast live must now submit an application to the court so that it can confirm, as the judge said, “whether they have received training and understand the law.” Unsurprisingly, journalists in the courtroom protested and voiced their disagreement, since this decision flagrantly violates press freedom. Strong representations were made to the Bases’ Press Office, and the Union of Cyprus Journalists (UCJ) was also informed.

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