‘Trial by social media’ poses challenge to judicial process, says CJ
The rapid growth of social media and freedom of expression in the digital age poses a significant challenge to judicial institutions, as society often “judges” cases online long before the courts deliver their decisions, says Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh.
Wan Farid said the rise of such “cyber courts” or trials by social media had become more evident, with netizens making assumptions, labelling, and effectively passing judgment on the accused, judges, and other parties without fully knowing the facts of a case.
He said such behaviour was dangerous and threatened the integrity of the justice system.
“We must allow the judicial process to take its course. Let the prosecution present its case, the defence challenges it, and the judge decides based on…
