Regime’s bullying of media continues with contempt case
A “contempt” case was filed against the “Fiji Times” after it published an interview containing comments about the judiciary that offended the attorney general.
Union members arrested for trying to publicly discuss new decree
Daniel Urai and Dinesh Gounder were arrested for trying to discuss the new Essential Industries Decree, which has roused international concern about workers’ rights.
PFF invites information secretary to meet with Pacific journalists to discuss media freedom
The media monitoring group was responding to a statement by the information secretary urging journalists to “Think Fiji first” and report in a”fair and balanced way.”
PFF calls on government to lift Public Emergency Regulations, allow media to report freely
The restrictive regulations prevent journalists from reporting the news without prior approval by the authorities.
Regime intimidation of journalists continues
Felix Chaudhary, a journalist for the “Fiji Times”, was taken in for questioning by military officers while covering a public function.
IFJ calls for censors to exit newsrooms
The regime pledged to lift the regulations when the Media Industry Development Decree was gazetted on 25 June 2010 but the censors remain.
Spin and silence reign as Fiji clampdown on free speech continues, says PFF
Netani Rika, long-serving editor of the “Fiji Times”, was reportedly forced to leave his job because of extraordinary pressure.
Journalist detained overnight, questioned over story posted on news website
Richard Naidu ran a story stating Fiji’s military police head, Esala Teleni, had been suspended.
New controls over media industry and journalists deepen loss of free speech, says PFF
A new media decree legislates registration of all media outlets with a regime-endorsed “authority” given sweeping powers to protect the national and public interests.
Media decree must be opposed, says IFJ
According to IFJ, the decree strictly limits the media’s ability to regain its role as a critical watchdog on the accountability of power-holders.
PFF welcomes regime lifting of media ban, calls for open dialogue
“Fiji Times” and Fiji TV had previously been banned from participating in discussions over a proposed media decree.
UN Rights Council should press military government to reverse growing crackdown on dissent, says Human Rights Watch
Fiji will undergo its first Universal Periodic Review before the UN’s Human Rights Council in Geneva on 11 February 2010.
Continuation of hearings against human rights trainer form part of ongoing clampdown on free speech, says PFF
Hearings are scheduled to continue against Imrana Jalal in a case brought against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
PFF urges military regime to drop proposed media law
The regime has damaged its own credibility by banning mainstream media outlets from participating in the consultation process for the new law, says PFF.
ASTW decides not to hold annual general meeting in Fiji
The IFJ urged the ASTW to rethink a proposal to conduct the meeting in Fiji in view of the military regime’s strict censorship.
Academic deported after commenting on political situation
PFF condemned the illegal detention, assault and deportation of Professor Brij Lal.