From Telegraph blogger Benedict Brogan:
"...it’s worth noting why the images of DSK in cuffs are causing such consternation in France. First, there’s the obvious enormity of seeing the main rival to Nicolas Sarkozy brought low in spectacular style. Second, there’s the cultural shock of seeing a wealthy member of the ruling elite, who was thought to enjoy what the French media often refer to as impunity, put in a position that would be unthinkable in France. The impact on how France thinks about its leaders will be long-lasting. Third, there’s a very specific legal reason to explain why commentators such as Agnès Poirier on Newsnight described the image as ‘violent’. Since 2000 it has in fact been illegal to show suspects in detention when they have yet to be charged let alone convicted. The loi Guigou sur la présomption d’innocence was in part designed to protect the dignity of the accused. As Richard Malka a French expert in media law explained, the media’s right to information does not mean right to humiliation. Technically, Mr Strauss-Kahn could sue French media outlets for using the pictures, but given that he’s been sent to Rikers Island, he’s got other poissons à frire."
DSK is an innocent person until proven guilty, whatever rumours are circulating regarding evidence in the case and his alleged unfortunate ways of dealing with women. So I rather like the protection that the Loi Guigou provides French people who are being held in custody awaiting trial. The presumption of innocence is an important principle, one which is under ever greater pressure in the 24 hours news world. The French are rather shocked to see images of an innocent man in handcuffs and I feel uncomfortable about it too.
As a rule French politicians are too cushioned by privacy laws and a relatively fawning media (compared to the UK), but it is humiliating for a person to be filmed as DSK has been.
"...it’s worth noting why the images of DSK in cuffs are causing such consternation in France. First, there’s the obvious enormity of seeing the main rival to Nicolas Sarkozy brought low in spectacular style. Second, there’s the cultural shock of seeing a wealthy member of the ruling elite, who was thought to enjoy what the French media often refer to as impunity, put in a position that would be unthinkable in France. The impact on how France thinks about its leaders will be long-lasting. Third, there’s a very specific legal reason to explain why commentators such as Agnès Poirier on Newsnight described the image as ‘violent’. Since 2000 it has in fact been illegal to show suspects in detention when they have yet to be charged let alone convicted. The loi Guigou sur la présomption d’innocence was in part designed to protect the dignity of the accused. As Richard Malka a French expert in media law explained, the media’s right to information does not mean right to humiliation. Technically, Mr Strauss-Kahn could sue French media outlets for using the pictures, but given that he’s been sent to Rikers Island, he’s got other poissons à frire."
DSK is an innocent person until proven guilty, whatever rumours are circulating regarding evidence in the case and his alleged unfortunate ways of dealing with women. So I rather like the protection that the Loi Guigou provides French people who are being held in custody awaiting trial. The presumption of innocence is an important principle, one which is under ever greater pressure in the 24 hours news world. The French are rather shocked to see images of an innocent man in handcuffs and I feel uncomfortable about it too.
As a rule French politicians are too cushioned by privacy laws and a relatively fawning media (compared to the UK), but it is humiliating for a person to be filmed as DSK has been.
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