Legal organisations condemn attack on Judge Masipa

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Three legal organisations have expressed concern about the threats and personal attacks directed at Pretoria High Court judge, Thokozile Masipa following her judgement in the Oscar Pistorius trial.

The Legal Resources Centre, Section 27 and the Child Law Clinic said in a joint statement on Monday that whilst it is understandable that people may disagree with the verdict, there is a significant difference between criticising the judgment and criticising the judge.

Sarah Septhon of the Grahamstown-based Legal Resource Centre, says there's been a wave of criticism directed at Judge Masipa personally in relation to her judgment, resulting in her currently requiring police protection.

She says some of the remarks may even border on hate speech, defamation and contempt of court.