Savua Bans Sun

Issue No: 262 5 December 2000

Reinstated Police Commissioner, Isikia Savua banned the Fiji Sun from a media briefing he gave yesterday.

According to the Sun, Savua says he does not want to talk to the Sun. This was despite an invitation to the Sun to cover the briefing. The invitation was withdrawn minutes after it was made.

The Sun says Savua is being vindictive.

The Sun also predicts that Savua will remain vindictive to those police officers who gave evidence against Savua's incompetence to the Board of Investigation into Savua's misconduct.

The Fiji Sun provided indepth coverage of Savua's involvement with the terrorists, and had provided good coverage of submissions made to the Tuivaga Board by members of the public and the police force.

Today's Sun editorialised: "You may not like what was written about you. But you are a public figure and must be subject to scrutiny".

It further stated:

"This paper thinks you are lucky to get your job back.

"Unfortunately you can not hide the fact hat your younger brother was part of the rebel group in Parliament.

"When we expected more from you at the height of the crisis, you made it clear to the nation that the police were not able to do their share of work of protecting the public..

"You also accompanied Adi Samanunu Talakuli, a known rebel supporter, in her jaunts between interim President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and George Speight.

"Too many things involving you and the rebels have not been fully explained to the public. Questions of your integrity and impartiality in handling the case because of the factors involved were raised.

"Still too many questions remain unanswered".

The Sun stated: "If your actions yesterday is any indication, then this paper thinks you are going to be really nasty to" the officers who gave evidence against him.

So far a vast majority of Fiji's people have condemned the decision to reinstate Savua. Only the SVT, former PM Sitiveni Rabuka, and the Fiji Times have supported Savua's reinstatement. And they all have been alleged to be involved in the plot to overthrow the People's Coalition government.

END 5 December 2000

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