2 Jun 2009

Fiji's interim govt will decide next week if media censorship will continue

11:05 am on 2 June 2009

The interim government in Fiji will decide next week whether to continue with the censorship of media outlets.

Fiji Live online says the Minister for National Security and Defence says a decision on whether to extend the Public Emergency Regulations beyond June 10 will also be made at the same time, with the police and military carrying out ground assessments.

Ratu Epeli Ganilau says from his point of view, media organisations have been co-operative with the interim government.

The regulations came into effect on April 10 after the 1997 Constitution was abrogated and judges dismissed.

The move also gave the interim government and its security arms widespread powers of detention and placing the local media industry under strict guidelines enforced by the Ministry of Information.