Vancouver, Nov 08: The Canadian media has earned the wrath of the judge in the Air India bombing trial for publishing pictures of the key witness amid fears that they may endanger her safety. The judge was upset after a second Vancouver newspaper violated the court order which prohibits the media from publishing pictures that may identify the witness' identity.

Justice Ian Bruce Josephson said yesterday the media also compromised the ability of law enforcement agencies to attract people into witness protection in exchange for their cooperation. "The Time for trust and goodwill has come to an end," he was by Canadian daily 'The Globe and Mail' as saying.

He also invited the Attorney General's office to consider laying contempt of court charges. Geoff Gaul, spokesman for the prosecution later said senior government counsel would "be reviewing the entire matter." Josephson also outlined new rules for the media. He prohibited any sketches of witnesses covered by a publication ban and required the media to obtain approval of the prosecution for sketches of anything else in the courtroom.

Bureau Report