Court Overturns Judge’s Anonymity Ruling in Sara Sharif Case

The Court of Appeal has ruled that judges involved in Sara Sharif’s family court proceedings can be named, citing the importance of transparency and media scrutiny.

Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl, was murdered in 2023 by her father and stepmother, who have been sentenced to life imprisonment.
The Court of Appeal overturned Mr Justice Williams’ decision to grant anonymity to judges who presided over Sara’s prior family court cases.
The ruling emphasized the significance of press scrutiny in ensuring transparency and accountability within the justice system.
Journalists and media organizations argued that the anonymity decision undermined public confidence in the judiciary and was procedurally flawed.
Surrey County Council had raised concerns about Sara’s safety for years, but family court decisions ultimately allowed her to live with her father, where she suffered fatal abuse.