Fonseka Trial - CCTV Camera’s installed

 "The purpose of the camera’s seem to be to monitor what is happening in courts. Who monitors court proceedings? The behavior of lawyers and judges can be monitored in this way and later be replayed by those at the top."

The 'BIG BROTHER' Presence in High Court

(October 13, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The CCTV cameras have been installed in the court house (HC No.1) where Sarath Fonseka's case is heard. This is practice is not done anywhere else in the world. Usually, it is not permitted to use camera’s within court premises when proceedings are taking place.

The purpose of the camera’s seem to be to monitor what is happening in courts. Who monitors court proceedings? The behavior of lawyers and judges can be monitored in this way and later be replayed by those at the top. It will intimidate judges and lawyers who are extra careful and do not act as they might normally in the usual sense when proceedings in court are recorded.

It appears that the installation of camera’s was an initiative of the Secretary of the Ministry of Defense although courts are not under defense ministry.

It is very likely that the ministry may justify this saying that this for Fonseka’s own safely!

In some countries investigations by police or security agencies are recorded to prevent abuse of power by use of torture and by other such practices. In Sri Lanka there is no such measures.

Camera’s fixed in courts is a sign of Big Brothers presence. Even courts are now watched by the security apparatus. This reminds of the George Orwell’s novel 1984 where Big Brother watches everything