Law amendment lifting fines on journalists “rare step in the right direction for Fiji”
Publishers, editors and media companies should be added to law amendments lifting criminal fines from journalists. “We welcome the law amendment removing fines from journalists as a sign that Fiji is finally turning back towards a free media environment,” says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.
Fiji’s historic election: What hope for human rights?
IFEX members express concerns about the political environment in Fiji as the country holds its first election after nearly eight years of military rule.
Concern over Fiji TV dismissal, regional coordinator resignation
PFF has noted with concern circumstances around the dismissal of broadcast news veteran Anish Chand from Fiji TV, and the confirmed resignation of Suva-based coordinator Ricardo Morris.
Despite upcoming elections, rights abuses continue in Fiji
The assurance of free elections in Fiji and a return to democracy ring hollow when basic rights, such as free speech and assembly, are still being restricted.
Fiji’s media authority extends restrictions on independent journalists
Fiji’s media authority announced on 8 October that it was looking at extending registration requirements to foreign media trainers and organisations that conducted media training in Fiji, on issues including media freedom, democracy, human rights and elections.
Fiji urged to revise draft constitution to protect rights
The government of Fiji should amend certain articles in a draft constitution that is scheduled to be promulgated on 6 September 2013; significant restrictions in articles 17, 18, and 19 would allow the government to interfere with key rights of freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
Fijian market seller assaulted by police, security forces for expressing criticism
Reports that a market seller in Fiji was hospitalised after being arrested for making comments about the country’s military regime are disturbing, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
Fiji regime forces sports commentator’s resignation
The resignation of Fiji TV’s sports commentator Satish Narain followed an ultimatum from the prime minister to the station’s management that they had to choose between keeping Narain on staff, or losing their broadcast licence.
Fiji academic publishes speech on media freedom after being gagged
The Pacific Freedom Forum is welcoming publication of a speech from a Fiji professor stopped from presenting at the University of the South Pacific on World Press Freedom Day.
Concern over last-minute ban on women’s day march in Fiji
On the eve of a planned march in Suva, Fiji to mark International Women’s Day, the organisers had their permit revoked because it was felt the event would have security issues.
“Fiji Times” fined, editor gets suspended jail term
A regime decree warning media in Fiji they will face jail sentences if they mention political parties has been put into effect; at the same time, the High Court has handed down a hefty fine against the country’s biggest daily paper.
Attacks on critics, media jeopardise constitution process in Fiji
The interim government is urged to cease curtailing the rights of Fiji Islanders to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, and end abuses that threaten to undermine the legitimacy of the process begun to draft a new constitution.
Regime’s license threat condemned
The Fiji regime has threatened that coverage of people it brands as “opposition” will cost Fiji TV its broadcast license.
Defamation protections for regime unwelcome, says PFF
The country’s new state proceedings decree grants Fiji’s regime leader and his ministers exemption from defamation suits over anything they may say in public or private.
IFJ cautiously welcomes end of Public Emergency Regulations
During his New Year’s address to the nation, Commodore Frank Bainimarama announced that the regulations, in place since April 2009, will be removed to allow preparations for the drafting of a new national constitution.
Rights groups call on government to end attacks on free expression
On the fifth anniversary of the coup d’etat by Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, the military government is continuing its aggressive attacks on free speech and critics of the regime.