Media censorship a step backwards for Fiji

Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Chris Carter, says a draconian new media censorship proposal in Fiji marks another step backwards in the restoration of genuine democracy in Fiji.

Mr Carter called on the interim administration to abandon the proposal which Labour believes will see an end to remaining press freedoms in Fiji.

"The New Zealand Labour Party wants to see Fijian democracy restored as soon as possible. A free press is fundamental to any healthy functioning democracy. This draft proposal will see the end of any real press freedom in our Pacific neighbour," says Chris Carter.

"The Media Industry Development Decree will take editorial decisions away from journalists and place them in the hands of the military regime. It will also see foreign-owned media confiscated; a move clearly aimed at muzzling the Fiji Times, which has been critical of the present regime.

"The decree has been condemned around the world as a backwards step that will hurt the Fijian people and further rob them of their human rights. This is a view shared by Labour," says Chris Carter.

"Since assuming power in a coup in 2006 Fiji’s military rulers have continually demonstrated contempt for democracy by ratcheting up their control over the Fijian people. We’ve seen democratic elections ruled out until at least 2014, we’ve seen respected leaders of the Methodist Church threatened and arrested, and now we’re seeing unprecedented control forced upon local news media.

"This attack on press freedom will only hurt ordinary Fijians and further isolate the Bainimarama regime from the Pacific and the rest of the world.

"Labour hopes interim Prime Minister Bainimarama will realise that this latest move to curb democratic freedoms will only damage Fiji’s international reputation, and calls upon the interim administration to abandon this draconian measure."