Tue 31 Mar 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Name and identity suppression will continue for the complainant and defendant in the case of a 48-year old Auckland man accused of infecting another man with HIV. Earlier this morning an Auckland District court judge suggested that he would take “some convincing” that suppression for the defendant should continue. Based on the likelihood of suppression being lifted, GayNZ.com Daily News, Radio New Zealand and Television New Zealand made application to record and take pictures during court proceedings, if necessary to hold on file until suppression is lifted. Asked by the judge where the public interest element of the request lay GayNZ.com Daily News argued that the the difficulties faced by New Zealand's gay and bi male community relating to HIV infection mean the case is an important illustrator of some of the issues many gay men face in their day to day lives. The judge summarised this argument as one of public education. Given the late notice by news media the judge this afternoon decided to adjourn the suppression hearing until late April in order for GayNZ.com and other media to provide the court with written representations. “These are complex issues,” the judge said, citing the need to balance public interest with personal elements of the case, especially as HIV is “a disease involving intimacy.” He said the matter could not be addressed "off the cuff." GayNZ.com Daily News has not opposed the suppression order itself, but wishes to be able to take courtroom recordings and photographs for subsequent use should the suppression order against the defendant in particular be lifted.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 31st March 2015 - 1:24pm