'Standard' faces contempt action
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The High Court yesterday gave the go-ahead for contempt proceedings to be brought against the London Evening Standard over publication of a story which led to the trial of six alleged Whitemoor prison escapees being abandoned.
The Attorney-General, John Morris QC, in a case initiated by his predecessor Sir Nicholas Lyell, was granted leave to apply for court orders punishing Associated Newspapers, Standard editor Max Hastings and journalist Mark Honigsbaum.
The story, headlined "Alcatraz-on-Thames", was published on 22 January and included photographs of three of the trial defendants with captions referring to their IRA connections and the terrorist nature of the convictions for which they were serving time.
Next day, the Woolwich Crown Court trial was permanently "stayed" by Mr Justice Maurice Kay, who had ruled a week earlier that no reference to such matters should be made during the hearing.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments