Having Cell Phones and Audio-Video Recording Devices Is Prohibited during Court Hearings

Along with photo and video cameras, it is also banned to have mobile phones and other recording devices during court hearings.

June 19 order of the Court Chairperson was distributed to citizens at the Tbilisi Civil Court; the order prohibits having photo and video cameras, cell pones and other devices during trials.

Previously, only photo or video-recording was not allowed at the court, though journalists could audio-record hearing based on the relevant notification from the judge.

According to the acting provision in the Organic Law on Common Court, photo or video coverage and transition are prohibited in courts, in courtrooms of the trial apart from the cases when this is done by the court or authoritative representative of the court. Court can disseminate photo, movie and video coverage it has if this is not against the law. Court can disseminate its footage unless it contradicts the law requirements. Stenography and audio recording at the trials will be allowed by the rule stipulated by court (judge). This right may be restricted by the motivated decision of the court (judge).

Interpresnews