12 Apr 2010

Samoa PM speaks out for media freedom in Fiji

7:11 pm on 12 April 2010

Samoa's Prime Minister has called on Fiji to give the media the freedom to do its work as the interim government prepares a Media Decree to replace its censorship regime.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has told the Savali newspaper that the media should be strengthened and the regime should not try to strangle it to death, Radio New Zealand International reports.

Mr Tuilaepa says no compelling reason for the decree has emerged, apart from the regime wanting to stem criticism.

A decree granting the regime immunity from prosecution has not been made public in Fiji and media outlets have either desisted or been prevented from reporting it.