Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF)

The lack of factual information surrounding the recent sacking of a Papua New Guinea journalist poses another warning to newsrooms there on the need to steer clear of political spin, says regional media monitoring group the Pacific Freedom Forum.

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.

The Solomon Star newspaper has filed a police complaint over two incidents in which a group demanded compensation linked to headline-coverage of allegations of an extra-marital affair by the prime minister.

Kiribati needs robust media freedoms if it is to adapt successfully to future challenges from climate change, says the Pacific Freedom Forum, in welcoming the return to publishing by the Kiribati Independent newspaper.

A journalist in Papua New Guinea was viciously attacked after the publication of a report into high level local government appointments in the Highlands province.

As trial proceeds, over forty IFEX members urge the Cambodian government to drop charges facing detained rights defender and broadcaster Mam Sonando.

Journalists reporting the 2012 election results and petitions must be able to work safely without fear of harassment, says PFF.

Auckland-based Kiribati Independent publisher and editor Taberannang Korauaba will retain the online edition of the paper but has stopped print circulation in Kiribati while police follow up on complaints linking to the newspaper’s registration status.