(CPJ/IFEX) -On 19 June 1998, Michael J. Field, a correspondent for the news agency Agence France-Presse, requested permission to visit Tonga to report on the upcoming 80th birthday of His Majesty Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, King of Tonga. He received a response on 23 June, in the form of a letter written by Police Minister Clive […]
(CPJ/IFEX) -On 19 June 1998, Michael J. Field, a correspondent for the news
agency Agence France-Presse, requested permission to visit Tonga to report
on the upcoming 80th birthday of His Majesty Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, King of
Tonga. He received a response on 23 June, in the form of a letter written by
Police Minister Clive Edwards, who handles immigration affairs, formally
denying the application. Edwards wrote that while “there is no such thing as
any person being banned under the Immigration Act,” Fieldâs record as a
journalist in Tonga “has not assisted in [his] case.”
Although Tonga typically allows journalists free entry, Field, who is based
in New Zealand and has covered Pacific island affairs for many years, has
been barred from the country since 1993, after publishing several articles
about Tongaâs pro-democracy movement. The police minister at that time
notified Field that he would thereafter be required to obtain advance
approval before visiting the country. Field was then denied entry to Tonga
in 1996 on the grounds that he had insulted Taufa’ahau. Police Minister
Edwards never substantiated that claim, but threatened to charge Field with
criminal defamation if he attempted to visit Tonga.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
tolerating
reporting which it deems critical and allowing all journalists the
opportunity
to work in the country
permission to return to Tonga
Appeals To
His Majesty Taufa’ahau Tupou IV
King of Tonga
Palace Office
Nukualofa, Tonga
Fax: +415 781 3964
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
