11 May 2009

Two Fiji journalists detained

11:47 am on 11 May 2009

Two journalists from a Fiji on-line newsite are being held after being taken to Suva's Central Police Station.

Dionisia Tabureguci and Shelvin Chand, who work for Fijilive, were taken into custody on Saturday under new emergency regulations.

Our correspondent in Suva, Matelita Ragogo, says so far no one has been allowed to visit the pair:

She says their colleagues from Fijilive tried to go and see them yesterday, but the police told them they are political prisoners and that their rights have been restricted.

Our correspondent says that's why even Shelvin's father, who has been trying to get to see his son since Saturday, hasn't been allowed to see them.

She says the two journalists were detained over stories relating to the release of eight soldiers and a policeman from jail shortly after they were convicted of manslaughter.

Under the Emergency Regulations media organisations are not allowed to report on anything which might cast a negative light on the interim regime.

All media outlets operate under censorship.