Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF)

Articles by Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF)

Vanuatu's newly elected Prime Minister Bob Loughman and the newly constituted Parliament, 19 April 2020, Facebook/USP Law

Vanuatu: Legislative changes raise media freedom concerns

The Pacific Freedom Forum has warned that legislative amendments passed by the Vanuatu Parliament could be used to attack journalists who publish critical reports on politicians and government policies.

Pacific Freedom Forum red flags new Tonga media regulations

The eight regulations were issued by Tonga’s Ministry of Communications in an infringement notice via the Ministry of Information and Communications. Media groups said the regulations undermine the Constitutional provision guaranteeing press freedom.

University of the South Pacific told to explain ‘unprecedented’ expulsion of journalists

Journalists were barred from entering the main campus of the University of the South Pacific where protests have been organized against alleged financial irregularities.

Pacific governments urged to partner with newsrooms and stay open on COVID-19

Pacific Freedom Forum urged governments in the region to partner with the media in informing the public about COVID-19 instead of imposing restrictions on social commentary.

Pacific Freedom Forum calls for transparency after suspensions at Tonga Broadcasting Commission

The manager and two staffers of the Tonga public broadcaster were suspended over a series of allegations, including attempts to incite distrust against the prime minister and the government.

Pacific Freedom Forum condemns sacking of senior Papua New Guinea journalist

There was no news bulletin for the first time in more than 30 years from EMTV, as newsroom staff had stopped work in protest at the termination of news manager Neville Choi.

Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi (R) attends the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) with other leaders on the island of Nauru, 4 September 2018, MIKE LEYRAL/AFP/Getty Images

Samoa asked to drop criminal charges against blogger ‘King Faipopo’

Blogger King Faipopo is accused of defaming Samoa’s prime minister.

An internet gaming shop in Nadi, Fiji, 11 May 2014, Flickr/Michael Coghlan, Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Fiji’s online safety law threatens to muzzle free speech

Pacific Freedom Forum has warned that Fiji’s Online Safety Act is designed to muzzle, not protect citizens.