Bill to keep suspects' names secret until charged

This bill would change the law to stop police and media from naming people suspected of crimes before they are formally charged. Currently, suspects can be named publicly when arrested. The bill would make it illegal to publish a suspect's identity until prosecutors decide to charge them with a crime. This would apply to all criminal investigations except in special circumstances like when police need public help to find someone. The government says this will protect innocent people from damage to their reputation. Critics say this could reduce press freedom and public accountability of the justice system.

• 1Police and media could not name suspects until they are charged with a crime
• 2Current law allows suspects to be named when arrested
• 3Exceptions would apply when police need public help to find someone
• 4Publishing suspect names before charging would become illegal
• 5Government says this protects innocent people's reputations