Court Debates Anonymity for Judges in Sara Sharif Abuse Case

Media organizations challenge the decision to protect judges' identities, citing the need for transparency in the family justice system.

Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl, was murdered in 2023 after enduring years of abuse by her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, who were later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Surrey County Council had raised concerns about Sara’s safety as early as 2010, but allegations of abuse were never fully tested in court, and she was placed in her father’s care in 2019.
A December 2024 ruling by Mr. Justice Williams barred the media from naming the judges involved in Sara's family court proceedings, citing risks of harm due to public backlash.
Journalists and media organizations are appealing the anonymity order, arguing it undermines public confidence in the judiciary and hinders accountability in the family justice system.
Opponents of the appeal argue that naming judges could lead to serious threats and harm, with the final judgment on the matter expected at a later date.