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Fairfax apologises for naming ex-con who ‘requested’ anonymity in ‘Life after prison’ story

Fairfax Media has apologised after naming a convicted murderer it had interviewed on condition of anonymity for an in-depth feature article on adapting to life after prison.

The error happened in the print version of the article ‘Life After Prison: one man’s story’, the cover article in Saturday’s Good Weekend magazine, which followed his first six months of life after release from prison.

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The article was the cover story in Good Weekend

In the piece by Tim Elliott the main protagonist is referred to as ‘Samson’ throughout, with the explainer his “name has been changed at his request, along with others in the story”.

However, in the print version one paragraph refers to Samson by his real name, which Mumbrella has chosen not to republish. It has been altered in the online version.

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However in a statement to Mumbrella, Fairfax claims “we decided to change the subject’s name”.

The full statement reads:

“We deeply regret this serious error made in the process of production. We decided to change the subject’s name out of respect for the subject and make no excuse for the error.”

Fairfax has been approached for clarification.

The article carries many biographical details of Samson’s life, including place and year of birth and the fact he has two daughters, and also features a detailed description of him:

Samson has a broad brown face and anxious eyes; his head, closely shaved and shiny, appears the colour and approximate density of polished mahogany. He swears hugely and is amply muscled: covering his left biceps is a tattoo of crossed spears and a bird of paradise that, as I later learn, he inked himself while inside, using a sharpened guitar wire.”

It is understood the author had penned the piece with Samson’s original name before it was altered in the editing process, with one reference to him missed.

The error comes at a time when the subject of journalists protecting sources and confidences has been debated in the industry, following former editor of The Australian Chris Mitchell’s publication of candid conversations with several former Prime Ministers in his new book.

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