9 Apr 2010

International Federation of Journalists concerned at Fiji's media decree

8:18 am on 9 April 2010

The International Federation of Journalists is condemning Fiji's draft Media Decree.

The decree is to replace emergency regulations enforced on the media since last year when the president scrapped the constitution.

The draft decree puts journalists at risk of jail and fines, and could force the Fiji Times newspaper to change ownership.

The Federation's Project Manager, Deb Muir, is concerned about the development.

"This draft decree is is clearly a reinforcement of the censorship that has been in place in Fiji for the past year and is clearly an effort by the regime to maintain control of the media and silence any dissenters."

Deb Muir hopes Fiji's media will be able to defend itself against the proposal.