13 Jun 2017

Review into Tonga broadcaster sacking set for next week

2:26 pm on 13 June 2017

The judical review into the sacking of the general manager of Tonga's state broadcaster has been set for next Tuesday.

Nanise Fifita was dismissed last month despite her contract having a right of renewal clause.

The move came a few months after the Prime Minister had called the Tonga Broadcasting Commission an enemy of government.

The Public Enterprise Minister Poasi Tei and the TBC are now being taken to court.

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The sacked General Manager of the TBC, Nanise Fifita Photo: supplied

Initially the Chief Justice was to hear an injunction seeking to have Ms Fifita's continue in her job until a judicial review.

But Ms Fifita's lawyer, William Edwards, said the Chief Justice wanted to expedite matters.

"Rather than have an injunction hearing he would rather deal with substantive matters at trial next week and rush it through."

"The Crown and the TBC, Tonga Broadcasting Commission, have consented to that and to fast-track it next Tuesday rather than wait some time until interim orders have been granted," he said.

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