Judiciary issues restrictive media and public access guidelines for Besigye treason trial

The Judiciary announced new security and access rules for the High Court treason trial of Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Ola, requiring prior accreditation of journalists, security screening of their equipment, and banning phones and unauthorised photography in the courtroom. The Judiciary said the measures protect security and a fair public hearing, while the People's Front for Freedom said they amount to gagging the press and a closed-door trial, and demanded their withdrawal.