Fetching updates...Censorship in Paradise
September 9, 2009
Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama
Amnesty International has issued a report condemning the leaders of Fiji for censorship and human rights abuses. Fiji’s militarily regime implemented emergency Public Emergency Regulations (PER) in April when the then-independent judiciary ruled that the military takeover was illegal. Since then, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has abrogated the Constitution and the police have arrested journalists in attempts to intimidate anyone who criticizes those in power.
Military and police have been placed in Fiji media stations to curb, prohibit, and encourage specific news stories. According to AI’s report, "the sweeping provisions of the PER is a tactic used to suppress freedom of expression, including any form of dissent."