Contention Swirls as High Court Judge Upholds Anonymity for Judges in Sara Sharif Case Amid Media Outcry

LONDON — A High Court judge facing scrutiny over his recent decisions related to the trial of a murdered schoolgirl, Sara Sharif, has sparked debate by his decision to protect the anonymity of judges involved in sensitive family law proceedings. Mr. Justice Williams, who made headlines last week with a comprehensive judgment, has been both commended and criticized for his unorthodox views on media reporting and the judicial process. Late last week, Williams released a 34-page document explaining his rationale amid condemnation from various quarters, including journalists who felt restricted by his rulings. In a … Read more

Xiaolu Guo and Sara Baume named judges for prestigious Goldsmiths Prize

LONDON – The Goldsmiths Prize, an annual £10,000 award that recognizes innovative writing and pushes the boundaries of the novel form, has announced its judges for this year. Film-maker and author Xiaolu Guo and novelist Sara Baume will be part of the judging panel. The prize, which is organized in collaboration with the New Statesman, aims to celebrate works of literature that break conventions and embrace new possibilities. Xiaolu Guo is an award-winning Chinese-born writer who currently resides in London. Notably, her novel “A Lover’s Discourse” was nominated for the Goldsmiths Prize in 2020. In … Read more