Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Fiji Labour leader slams decree

Updated at 8:49 pm on 9 February 2012

The Fiji Labour Party leader says the latest anti-defamation decree brings the country closer to being a banana republic.

Mahendra Chaudhry says the State Proceedings Amendment Decree is a ridiculous attempt to create parliamentary privilege when there is no parliament in Fiji.

The interim Government says the decree will restore a level playing field and protect media outlets during the lead-up to parliamentary polls promised for 2014.

However Mr Chaudhry says those in power are just trying to protect themselves and the media still has a threat hanging over them.

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