Man sues Police over media exposure

Jun 26, 2008

A MAN, who the Police paraded before the press over a traffic offence, has petitioned the Uganda Human Rights Commission, saying his rights were violated.

By Herbert Ssempogo

A MAN, who the Police paraded before the press over a traffic offence, has petitioned the Uganda Human Rights Commission, saying his rights were violated.

The complaints and legal services director, Carol Nakku, yesterday told The New Vision that the man, whose name she did not disclose, was last year brought before journalists at the Central Police Station in Kampala.

“He was paraded along with other suspects accused of cases that were not related to his,” she said.

“People could think that someone is a criminal after seeing the (TV) footage. Such practices affect someone’s reputation.”

The complainant’s file would soon be allocated to one of the commissioners, Nakku added.

She could not, however, tell whether the man paid a fine or was prosecuted.

“Paying a fine or prosecution does not change the fact that someone’s rights were violated,” Nakku argued.

When investigations are complete, she added, the commission would decide whether it is right to reveal suspects’ identities.

International human rights activists have complained about the Police parading suspects before the media, which they said violated their rights.

But the Police spokesperson, Judith Nabakooba, said they would soon review the practice.

She said the press should only be invited after thorough investigations have been completed.

Some Police officers argue that showing the suspected criminals to the public enables the victims to identify their attackers, which aids them to lodge complaints.

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