EAGLE, Colorado, Aug 24 (AFP) - The judge in US basketball icon Kobe Bryant's rape case on Tuesday barred still and television cameras from the courtroom during most of his trial, due to begin later this week.
The decision comes as a blow to US media outlets as the trial, jury selection in which is due to begin Friday, is one of the most closely followed celebrity cases in the United States.
Eagle County Judge Terry Ruckriegle said he was balancing the needs of a fair trial in allowing the media coverage of the trial in which Bryant is accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman in his hotel room June 30, 2003.
He barred any photography or broadcasting during witness testimony because much of the testimony could concern "graphic and intimate details of the participants' genitalia, sexual conduct, intimate personal relationships and private emotions."
The media restrictions formed part of a restrictive 19-point ruling allowing print cameras in the courtroom during opening arguments and still and video cameras during closing arguments.
The decision will likely ensure that the trial, which could see the National Basketball Association star, who turned 26 Monday, does not become the sort of media circus seen during the double murder trial of football star OJ Simpson nine years ago.
The cameras could "unduly distract from the solemnity, decorum and dignity of the proceedings if permitted during witness testimony," the judge wrote in a 10-page ruling.
"Such concerns are heightened in this case, which pertains to an allegation of sexual assault in which the extensive interest stems significantly from defendant's status as a professional athlete."
He also barred any coverage of jury selection or any of the jurors finally chosen to hear the case.
Ruckriegle also acknowledged the "rare display of concurrence" in all parties opposing any cameras in the courtroom. Bryant's lawyers, the Eagle County District Attorney's office and the alleged victim's lawyers all argued against what's called "expanded media coverage."
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bryant could face up to life in prison, a fine of 750,000 dollars or up to 20 years probation if convicted on the charge. Bryant has pleaded not guilty and is free on 25,000 dollars bail.
But the prosecution case has taken a severe battering in recent weeks with a series of rulings by the judge going against prosecutors and even casting doubt on whether the trial would begin as scheduled.