Judge won’t allow video cameras in Greitens invasion of privacy trial

The judge in Gov. Eric Greitens’ pending invasion of privacy trial will not allow video cameras into the courtroom.

Judge Rex Burlison cited security concerns and the objections of Greitens’ former mistress to her likeness being shown in the courtroom when making his decision on Thursday. The trial begins on May 14.

Burlison said he would consider allowing audio recordings or still photography within the courtroom.

Mark Sableman, an attorney representing several news outlets in the state, made the motion in March to allow video cameras into the courtroom to cover the case. Missouri court rules allow only one video camera to “pool” resources for other media outlets.

“Really, video and audio are anti-spin antidotes, they allow people to hear things directly, see things directly,” Sableman told reporters after the hearing. “We think people want to in this case, and the whole role of the news is to convey things in the best, most accurate possible way.”

Burlison said he expected heightened security at the courthouse for the trial due to the presence of the sitting governor of the state. He did not explain how the presence of video cameras in the courtroom would affect the safety of the courthouse.

Dan Shelley, executive director of the Radio Television Digital News Association, criticized the decision.

“At the very least, this is a disappointing development for public access to the felony court proceedings targeting Missouri’s highest elected official,” Shelley said in a statement. “At the most, it is an unacceptable and unwarranted denial of citizens’ need to know in detail the evidence against their governor and the elements of his defense.”