Solomon Islands: Compensation Claims Intimidate Journalists

September 30, 2011

Compensation Claims Used to Intimidate Journalists in Solomon Islands

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) and the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) in condemning the use of compensation claims to intimidate journalists in Solomon Islands.

On September 21 a demand for SBD 75,000 (USD 9,300) compensation from the Island Sun was made by supporters of West Honiara Member of Parliament Namson Tran.

The compensation demand was reportedly made in response to a story published in the newspaper which reported Tram's purchase and private registration of his government vehicle. The story quoted Chairman of the Solomon Islands Public Accounts Committee Matthew Wale referring to Tran as a “criminal”.

The compensation payment is not related to a civil or criminal case. In many Melanesian cultures, such as Solomon Islands, requests for customary compensation play a traditional role in resolving disputes.

However, the IFJ notes MASI’s statement denouncing the compensation demand as a form of harassment against journalists and media organisations which is “inappropriate and disrespectful to media freedom in Solomon Islands.”

The compensation demand has since been referred to the Solomon Islands Police Service for investigation.

“The IFJ calls on Solomon Islands police to investigate the charges in a timely manner, and encourages all journalists to report any similar threats to the authorities,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

The IFJ reminds government officials that a strong, impartial media is best achieved through functioning codes of ethics and self-regulation mechanisms and that disagreements over media conduct should be addressed through these means wherever possible.

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific

Find the IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific

ENDS

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