Pop star Michael Jackson’s secret indictment on child sex charges has set the stage for a unique defence challenge on grounds that the extraordinary security measures may have intimidated witnesses and grand jurors.

A judge has ruled that witnesses before the grand jury in the Michael Jackson case can talk to defence attorneys as long as they do not disclose what happened during the grand jury proceedings.

A lawyer representing news organisations has asked a US appeals court to immediately lift a gag order banning those involved in the Michael Jackson child abuse case from speaking about it publicly, before today’s pre-trial hearing.

On the eve of grand jury hearings in the Michael Jackson molestation case, a judge barred pictures or communication with any prospective or final panellists, or grand jury witnesses.