Court Strikes Down Controversial Northern Ireland Law on Suspect Anonymity

Judge rules legislation violated press freedom and failed to balance public interest with privacy rights.

The law granted anonymity to suspects of sexual offences until charged, extending 25 years after death.
Media organizations argued the law criminalized investigative journalism and stifled public interest reporting.
The court found the law incompatible with European Convention on Human Rights, particularly freedom of expression.
Critics highlighted the law's potential to jail victims for naming their alleged abusers.
The ruling is seen as a significant victory for press freedom and public interest journalism.