Fiji Times : Editorial: Upholding Media Freedom

Editorial: Upholding Media Freedom

www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=56360

SUVA (FT Online/Pacific Media Watch) - Army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama had at the very outset promised to the nation that his administration "will uphold media freedom".

This commitment he made a few days after the military took over the democratically-elected Qarase government had been honoured although at times the military and the industry members collectively or individually have met to discuss and clarify matters which would enhance a workable relationship.

Both institutions understand that for media freedom to be upheld and protected, journalists have to be allowed to go about their normal business of gathering and presenting news without any interference from the military.

Yesterday, a photographer from this newspaper, Sitiveni Moce, was manhandled by soldiers in a public area in the capital city and taken to the military barracks. He was released about an hour later.

The military has yet to give a clear explanation why Mr Moce was taken in while he was going about doing his duty which he was assigned to do by his supervisors.

The military has not stopped, or issued any directive to stop, media personnel taking pictures of soldiers in public places. In fact in most cases taking pictures of soldiers has been encouraged because it is seen as assisting in promoting the military's clean-up campaign.

Photographer Sitiveni Moce was taken by soldiers in full view of a crowd gathered around Epworth House during the lunch hour as he was about to take pictures of the military who were at the Methodist Church headquarters. He was then thrown into a van and taken to Queen Elizabeth Barracks.

This newspaper and any responsible media organisation would deplore such unwarranted attack by the military. What it implies to the industry is that journalists are restricted in their movements and access to places where they can take pictures and gather news.

It is absurd because media organisations will now be more wary and concerned about the safety of journalists. It seems to be an indirect form of censorship on the media, something Commodore Bainimarama had assured us the military would steer clear of.

The Fiji Times refuses to accept any form of censorship by any external force nor does it want to see its staff be intimidated by external forces. The company, like any other responsible employer, has a duty to protect its workers and will always consider that as a priority.

Yesterday's incident was deplorable and outrageous. For the sake of "upholding media freedom", we certainly hope it won't happen again to anyone else in the media.

+++niuswire

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