Victims shall not be exposed to the child p*rn*graphy accused, says the Islamabad High Court

What happened: On January 18, the Islamabad High Court ordered the federal government to ensure the dignity of the victims in the child pornography cases. The IHC has instructed the government to increase the sentence from 7 years to a maximum of 20 years and a fine not less than one million rupees in cases related to child pornography.  Details: In a bid to protect the victim’s dignity, the Islamabad High Court has laid out its suggestions for recording the victim’s statements. Express Tribune quotes the IHC judgment by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani as,  “The testimony of the child victim may also be recorded through a special measure through video conferencing. While the child shall remain in a conducive and protective environment, like home or any other separate facility, if maintained by the Government.”  More: While advising the government, the order read,  “The pornographic material shall not be displayed in the court of law and the reports submitted by the forensic laboratory or cybercrime expert be considered conclusive for the purpose of victims.”  Subsequently, the IHC has also instructed the government to conduct in-camera trials of cases pertaining to child pornography.