9 Nov 2016

Fiji expat files complaint over "idiot" slur

2:44 pm on 9 November 2016

An expat Fijian Shailendra Raju has complained to Fiji's media authority after being called an idiot by the chief of Fiji's public broadcaster, the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr Raju, who campaigns against the Bainimarama-led government on his Facebook page, says Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum's comments about him at a news conference in Fiji were derogatory.

According to Fiji media, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said he was referring to Mr Raju and other individuals when he used the word "idiot" amid controversy over alleged racism on one of the FBC's programmes.

Mr Raju said the label is offensive and he has written to the Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA).

"I find that the CEO of a state-owned broadcaster and TV station, to be using such language is completely out of line, it's unacceptable and it calls for an enquiry and that's why I've complained to MIDA."

Mr Raju said media reports that he'd been involved in illicit activities like a conspiracy to murder the prime minister are outrageous lies and is also asking MIDA to investigate.

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