Judges overseeing Sara Sharif case to be named next week

The Court of Appeal has ruled that three judges involved in family court proceedings regarding Sara Sharif can be named, overturning a previous decision by Mr Justice Williams, who had granted them anonymity due to concerns over potential backlash. The ruling came after several media organizations, including the BBC and The Times, challenged Williams’ order, arguing it undermined public confidence in the judiciary and inhibited transparency. Williams had cited a 'real risk' of harm from a 'virtual lynch mob' as justification for the anonymity, but the Court of Appeal found he lacked jurisdiction to make such a ruling. Sara Sharif was murdered by her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, after a history of abuse and neglect was documented in family court proceedings. The media will be able to name the judges involved in the case after a seven-day preparation period. This decision has been seen as a crucial step for press scrutiny in the justice system and accountability in child protection cases.