Fiji police detain local journalist [1]
Monday, August 11, 2008 - 13:11. Updated on Thursday, September 11, 2014 - 16:34.
Fiji Media Council chairman Daryl Tarte has labelled the detainment of Fiji Times reporter Serafina Silaitoga as another blow to media freedom.
"It is very disturbing that after the interim Prime Minister has given the nation an undertaking that he upholds media freedom in Fiji journalists continue to be taken in for questioning by the police," he said.
"The latest incident when Silaitogo was arrested by the Labasa police and questioned about an article regarding the interim Finance Minister is another blow to freedom of journalists to go about their work without the threat of police intimidation.
"Individuals have a right to express opinions and the media has the responsibility to inform the public about such opinions provided of course they are within the bounds of the code of ethics and practice."
Eight police officers early this morning visited Silaitoga at her residence, taking her into custody for questioning over the article that was published in yesterday's Fiji Times.
Silaitoga refused to provide a statement to police unless her legal representative was present with her while she was in custody.
She was released at around midday today by Labasa Police.
Police spokesperson Ema Mua denied that the directive was given by Police Commissioner Commodore Esala Teleni, despite Labasa Police officers claiming the directive came from their superiors. FT Online/Pacific Media Watch, 11/08/08.