TUV Leader Jim Allister has established by an Assembly Question that in the past year a further two super injunctions have been issued by the High Court in Belfast. Both remain in operation.
Two in 2012/13, on top of another two in 2011/12 (as established by Mr Allister last year), contrasts with just four in the four year period 2007-11.
Commenting Jim Allister said:-
“The growth of ‘super injunctions’ is a product of the courts being persuaded to prioritise privacy rights over freedom of expression and press rights within the Human Rights Act. I am far from convinced that this balance is weighted in the right direction, particularly where it is a facility which in practical terms is only likely to be available to those who can afford it.
“Since by their very nature such orders do not sit comfortably with the transparency expectations of modern society, it is, I believe, in the public interest that information about the number and lifting of super injunctions should be known.
“I regret that the Justice Minister has not revealed the cumulative total of Super Injunctions which at this time are still operative in Northern Ireland. I believe the public is entitled to this information.”
Below is the latest Q & A:
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the number of orders that have been made by the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland prohibiting publicity on the granting of injunctive relief since 30 April 2012; (ii) when each order was made; (iii) the number that are extant; (iv) whether any such orders have been discharged since 30 April 2012; and (v) the total of orders, whenever made, extant on 29 May 2013.
Two orders have been made by the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland prohibiting publicity on the granting of injunctive relief since 30 April 2012.
The date when each of these orders was made cannot be provided without risking contravening the terms of the order itself.
Of the orders made since 30 April 2012 two are extant.
No orders made since 30 April 2012 have been discharged.
This information is not readily available and could only be compiled at a disproportionate cost.
Further information in respect of the extant orders cannot be provided without risking contravening the terms of the order itself.
