15 May 2009

Journalist in Fiji released after seven hours of detention by military

1:37 pm on 15 May 2009

A Fiji Times journalist is now free from police custody after being arrested yesterday.

The reporter, Theresa Ralogaivau, was released yesterday evening after being detained for about seven hours.

It is believed she was questioned over a story that was published on Monday about a community in Labasa being terrorised by a group of drug growers.

The story quoted a police spokesperson, who later denied he spoke to the journalist.

Last week, the interim government extended its emergency regulations for another month, forcing the media to publish only stories that cast a positive light on the interim regime.