All Australians have a right to a ‘presumption of innocence’, a guarantee in relation to legal proceedings contained in article 14(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
So, what is happening in Australia, where we frequently observe the media publishing serious unproven accusations or allegations against prominent ‘high profile’ Australians, effectively circumnavigating the Judiciary System; as the press act as Judge, Jury and Executioner; to knock down a few tall poppies for commercial gain.
A single vicious allegation or malicious accusation, can render an innocent person’s ‘life legacy’ worthless, without an opportunity for redemption; even if one has the means to defend themselves. The reality is that the cost of ‘justice’ is well beyond the reach of most Australians and the media is well aware of this.
The press can disparage your good name, make statements devoid of the truth and you will still incur long-term reputational damage, even if you are able to mount and win a defamation case. None of that will matter because ‘mud sticks’ and the legal costs and loss of income will destroy your life’s legacy and future work opportunities.
Whatever happened to the ‘presumption of innocence’ i.e. proof beyond a reasonable doubt? We are now witnessing a metaphorical change where these unsubstantiated claims made by the press, raises an immediate public ‘assumption of guilt’, with the ‘lynch mob’ disregarding your right to a fair trial and/or due process in the Court of Public Opinion.
An unproven accusation can lead to the immediate loss of employment; dismissal or resignation as careers, reputations and livelihoods are destroyed overnight. ‘Life as you know it’ collapses, no income and a prompt erosion of wealth, with pressure and stress capable of breaking up strong relationships.
The support of family, friends and colleagues quickly evaporates; dare they risk vilification from the dissenting voices asserting guilt by association. In an instant it becomes impossible to survive.
Too frequently we see the media quick to execute their judgement based on sensational, salacious accusations, ‘allegedly’ of course. Whether it’s claims of bullying, misandry, domestic violence, racism, adultery, sexism, rape, paedophilia or misogyny, speculative accusations destroy lives, with individuals judged without consideration for their civil rights, the legal process and the TRUTH!
Reporting ‘The News’ and ‘Investigative Journalism’ have completely surrendered to the worst type of tabloid trash, with big media competing in a ‘race to the bottom’, against the online dribble that’s excreted from the bowels of social media. Below are a couple of examples of individuals whose lives have been targeted by the press in Australia and maliciously ‘taken down’ by a spiteful media for … money.
Renowned international actor Geoffrey Rush won his Defamation Case After Sexual Misconduct Scandal.
Successful comedian and actor Rebel Wilson won her ‘serial liar’ accusation case in defamation action against magazine publisher Bauer Media.
Actor Craig McLachlan found not guilty in indecent assault case.
ABC journalist Louise Milligan agrees to pay Andrew Laming $79,000 in damages over tweets.
Cardinal George Pell spent 13 months in jail before the High Court quashes his sexual abuse conviction.
Former Australian ‘Attorney General’ Christian Porter denies rape allegation with the Prime Minister stating the he is ‘innocent under law’.
The Law requires that ‘no guilt can be presumed, until the charge has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt‘ yet the media infers or assumes ‘guilt’ with or without charges. The media’s disregard for the ‘burden of proof’ is contemptuous and Australians should demand better! We like to think that we champion a ‘fair go‘ … but, clearly … we don’t!
28 August 2021
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.
Billy Blogabout 