The Court of First Instance of the High Court today (October 30) granted an interim injunction to restrain persons from unlawfully and wilfully conducting doxxing activities against Judicial Officers and their family members, or intimidating, harassing or threatening the same. The interim injunction will remain in force up to and including Friday, November 13, 2020 at 10.30am when the application returns to Court.

      The Secretary for Justice as guardian of public interest applied to the Court for an ex parte injunction to restrain persons from unlawfully and willfully conducting themselves in those acts.

      Since November 2019, there have been numerous doxxing activities against Judicial Officers and their families on social media platforms, and such activities continue to emerge in recent months. These doxxing activities are simply not acceptable.

      As pointed out by the Court in its recent decision in a contempt of court application, doxxing itself is capable of constituting criminal activity. Any law breaking behaviour against members of the Judiciary and their families will not be condoned.

      It is the responsibility of the Secretary for Justice as the guardian of public interest to take appropriate steps to safeguard the due administration of justice and uphold the rule of law.

      Any person who violates the interim injunction order may be held in contempt of court, and is liable to imprisonment or a fine.

Ends/Friday, October 30, 2020