Forum: Letter from the editor – Response to readers’ feedback on court story
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I refer to our story, “21 years’ jail, caning for man who repeatedly had sex with niece, 13; used blindfold, rope on her” (Aug 3).
Since its publication, we have received a significant number of comments and questions, mostly via social media, on the way the facts of the case were portrayed. The facts were deplorable, and the reactions understandably acute.
One area of concern was how the 13-year-old girl was reported as “having sex” with her uncle, instead of being “raped” by him. Our journalist was also accused of blaming the victim, in her use of such language. Others felt the story downplayed the crime.
This was not and will never be our intention.
When our journalists cover court cases, they refer to court documents known as statements of facts (SOF).
We do not deviate from them, and it is a non-negotiable that we try our best not to editorialise or unconsciously inject our personal sentiments into such stories.
These facts are agreed upon by the prosecution, the accused persons and their lawyers.
Only then can the case proceed in open court before the judge.
Some readers felt our use of words and phrases such as “had sex with”, “relationship”, and “couple” did not accurately reflect the severity of the crime.
These words and phrases were used in the SOF submitted by prosecutors.
Some readers felt the word “rape” should have been used instead.
The SOF did not use the word. While we did not use the word, we did state in the story that the man had pleaded guilty to six charges, including statutory rape.
We can understand why readers find this case abhorrent.
Much of the feedback that we have received is fair. We recognise that feedback, when constructive, must be taken on as the newsroom evolves its own sensibilities in its reportage. We thank readers for their role in this. We will continue to listen, engage and learn.
Some feedback, however, came in the form of deeply personal attacks against our journalist. This can never be accepted.
We reported the case accurately, based on facts gathered by police investigators. We will stand by our journalists and their work. There is never any excuse for bullying and harassment, in the real world or online.
Our journalists feel deeply for the people involved in these cases. Much work goes into our court coverage.
It includes finding the right balance between reflecting the facts and the severity of the crime and the impact it has on the victims and their loved ones. Our reports unfortunately mirror incidents that take place in our community.
We will continue with this work, and we hope that it can be done in a mutually respectful manner between journalists and our community.
Jaime Ho
