This follows the recent call by the Land Force commander, Col. Pita Driti, for the closure of the Fiji Times.
Driti last week issued a statement attacking the newspaper saying it was “the most non-cooperative and biased newspaper in the country”. He alleged that the media did not give adequate coverage to military “grievances” or “positive achievements.”
But the IFJ has expressed concern for the safety and integrity of Fiji’s media.
According to Medianewsline.com, the IFJ has urged the interim government to instruct all officials and senior military personnel to refrain from making or endorsing statements that demand censorship and serve to incite anti-media sentiment.
“Col. Pita Driti’s public call for a newspaper to be shut down because he apparently does not agree with its content demonstrates a gross misunderstanding of the role of independent media in an open society,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.
“This kind of comment by a high-ranking military officer appears intended to intimidate the media community, and is irresponsible given recent physical attacks on media personnel,” she said.
“The IFJ urges Fiji’s military leaders to make a public commitment to the protection of media personnel and freedom of expression in Fiji.”
The IFJ has reiterated that complaints against the media must be dealt with through an open dialogue and independent regulatory mechanisms.
“Shutting down media, deporting publishers and seeking court convictions only take Fiji further along the path toward a closed society.”
