23 Jun 2014

No comment on PIDF restrictions - MIDA

8:12 pm on 23 June 2014

The Media Industry and Development Authority in Fiji says it cannot yet comment on claims the government restricted journalists from covering the Pacific Islands Development Forum.

The Islands Business editor, Samisoni Pareti, says he was denied accreditation to the forum and has not received an explanation why.

The Pacific Conference of Churches communications manager, Netani Rika, says he was followed by special police for the duration of the forum because of his organisation's vocal stance on West Papua.

The chair of MIDA, Ashwin Raj, says he has not received an official complaint from any of the parties involved.

Dr Raj says MIDA is writing to the journalists in an attempt to find out all the facts before taking a stance on the issue.