Trial by social media

If it’s trendy, a hot issue or topical, it’s bound to be on Twitter or Facebook - and English businessman Shrien Dewani accused of plotting the murder of his wife is no exception, with users around the world tweeting their two cents worth about the trial.

At the start of the extradition hearing recently, Dewani’s lawyer, Julian Knowles, made the submission that Twitter be banned for the court.

UK newspapers reported that Knowles said: “I know the media get very excited about Facebook and Twitter, but there have been all sorts of leaks (in this case) and I think the time has come to put a stop to it.”

He said Twitter was feeding the leaks and “it does undermine the solemnity” of the proceedings.

But Westminster Magistrate Court’s chief magistrate Howard Riddle rejected his arguments and allowed tweeting on the provision that it was “accurate and unobtrusive”.

Dewani’s lawyer shot back: “In 140 characters?” - much to the amusement of the crowd in court.

Social networking media fundi Chris Rawlinson said Twitter was just a tool that allowed users to get information out faster. “Think about it as newspaper posters on the side of the road alerting readers to what is topical. Tweets are like headlines. It’s about getting information out speedily, albeit in a 140 characters or less.

“It is about freedom of information. What is the difference whether the information comes out immediately or a half an hour later when the journalist files a story? It’s raw and it’s instant, with spelling mistakes and all. It will be interesting to see what happens to the issues of pictures. Twitter has an application that allows pictures to be posted.”

Memeburn, a web analysis website that looks at social networking sites, supported the judge’s decision.

The website’s editor, Jeremy Daniel, said this was an international story in which popular sentiment and opinion had played a key role - and social networking services such as Twitter could play an influential part.

“The debate around Twitter in the courtroom is likely to rage for some time, particularly as the pressure on the trial heats up.

“The Dewani trial has been a hot topic on Twitter and Facebook.”

One tweet reads: “Dewani: or trial by Twitter, I guess!!”

Another reads: “So many on Twitter think they’re ‘experts’ on the Dewani case. Sounds like these ‘experts’ have nothing better to do than to spread hatred.”

Supporters of Dewani as well as detractors are expressing their views on the matter on Facebook. One group, called “False accusations against Shrien Dewani”, had 394 members at last count. The group “Shrien Dewani, murder accused. Guilty or not?” has 316 members.

The Facebook group with the most members is called “Memory of Anni Dewani”. Its 31 523 members include people offering their condolences . - Sunday Independent