Adjudication No. 728 (June 1994) [1994] APC 37

ADJUDICATION No. 728 (June 1994)

The Australian Press Council has dismissed a complaint against the Herald Sun over a report of a court case involving a Zaire-born political refugee now living in Melbourne.

The man faced charges in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court including intentionally causing serious injury and unlawful imprisonment - all involving women.

Abdi Ibrahim, on behalf of the Somali community in Melbourne, complained to the Press Council over the use of the term "refugee" in the headline, claiming it was an act of prejudice.

He also objected to the Herald Sun's report quoting police evidence that "apparently in his native country violence against women is an acceptable thing".

Mr Ibrahim said that the statement was an insult to the people of Zaire and to all Africans.

The newspaper said the published account was an accurate report of the evidence given in the court. No evidence had been produced to rebut the prosecution's details or claims. The headline was also in the context of the case.

While understanding the Zaire community's concern at the police evidence's general claim about violence against women, the Press Council found it was legitimately provided in the context of the police claims against the accused.

No Press Council principles has been breached.