Magistrate went beyond power in suppressing high
Media organizations are challenging a court-ordered suppression of a man's identity in a Queensland extortion case. A judge has reserved his decision on whether the suppression order, which prevents the naming of a person referred to as 'MM', should be lifted.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing legal tension between protecting the privacy of individuals involved in sensitive criminal proceedings and the principle of open justice.
Media organisations, including the ABC, have challenged the suppression order through a judicial review. ( ABC News: Pete Mullins )
Link copied Share Share article A judge has reserved his decision on whether to lift a suppression order preventing the identity of a Queensland man at the centre of an alleged extortion threat from being revealed.
A man accused of a domestic violence extortion charge is alleged to have threatened a complainant by saying he would reveal details about an affair she allegedly had with someone who can only be referred to as "MM".
MM's name has been suppressed by a Cairns court since late May, although he was not the direct target of the alleged threat.
Media organisations, including the ABC, have challenged the suppression order through a judicial review at the Supreme Court in Cairns.
Cairns Courthouse. ( ABC News: Mark Rigby )
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