The ABC reporter was expelled from Fiji after its military-led government objected to his stories on its media crackdown and the censoring of local journalists.
“The censorship at the moment is just absolutely extraordinary, never in Fiji before has it been this tough, even after [Sitiveni] Rabuka’s coup,” he said.
Arriving back at Sydney Airport, Dorney described being called to the information minister’s office.
“He said ‘look Sean, we’re not happy with your reporting, there are going to immigration officers coming and you’ll be on your way to the airport,’ ” he said.
Dorney said he was offered a deal where he could leave voluntarily but did not take it.
He later had his mobile phone confiscated and was held for about five hours with a TV crew from New Zealand, while officials reviewed footage shot on his camera.
He said things are even worse for local Fijian journalists.
Dorney said the people of Fiji are unable to see any negative stories about the government.
A New Zealand television crew deported from Fiji said the military ordered them to wipe all the material on their tapes.
TV3 political reporter Sia Aston and cameraman Matt Smith flew in to Auckland Airport after being put on a plane in Nadi by immigration officials.
The pair was expelled after Fiji’s interim government disapproved of their stories.
