Magistrate Seini Puamau has urged the media to show compassion and leave Kishore Kumar's son's name out from publication if the State or the witness mention him during their court proceedings.
Kumar is charged with allegedly making false porn video claims on his facebook page, Kishore Kumar Publications against Lenora Qereqeretabua in 2020.
Before the court session yesterday afternoon, Kumar had asked the Magistrate if he can talk with the representatives of the Office of the DPP and the Magistrate alone regarding some of his concerns.
Magistrate Puamau says two matters transpired in the chambers, and the first was with respect to a portion of the evidence that is yet to unfold or yet to come out.
She says Kumar is worried that there will be a reference to his son.
She further says if there is a reference to his son, then Kumar does not want the media to publish the name of his son or to make reference to the son being involved in the narrative.
The Magistrate adds she would direct the media not to publish the name of the son because the evidence pertaining to the son has got nothing to do with proving the elements of the offence.
Magistrate Puamau told the media to gauge the evidence, and if they agree with the State and their assessment that the son's presence did not really move the case forward one way or the other, maybe they could be compassionate and leave him out.
She highlighted that she will talk about Kumar’s second concern today.
The case will continue later today.
