The Fijian Media Association (FMA) is seeking clarity on the recent detention of former journalist Charlie Charters, who was reportedly taken into custody by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) after being stopped at Nadi International Airport. In a statement released today, the FMA expressed alarm over this situation, drawing parallels to troubling historical events in Fiji’s past that the nation has worked diligently to overcome.
FMA General Secretary Stanley Simpson emphasized that any detention or arrest should adhere strictly to legal processes, ensuring that due process is followed and that the public is kept informed at every stage. The association is calling on authorities to clarify Mr. Charters’ current status, including details regarding his detention, arrest, charges, or potential release, as well as the procedures that will follow.
The concerns raised by the FMA extend beyond Mr. Charters’ situation to the broader issue of media freedom in Fiji. The association highlighted the potential implications of his outspoken views on FICAC and the Fiji Sports Council, which may pose a threat to freedom of expression.
In addition to their concerns about Charters, the FMA has raised issues regarding reports that journalists were barred from entering Fiji Sports Council facilities. While the Council clarified that there was no official ban and attributed the issue to miscommunication, the FMA noted the troubling nature of security personnel informing journalists that the restriction came from the Council’s CEO. They stress that access to these facilities is crucial for covering important community and national sporting events, emphasizing the benefits of media coverage for national sporting bodies, sponsors, and aspiring athletes across Fiji.
The FMA is urging the Fiji Sports Council to ensure that media access is respected and that security personnel are adequately informed to avoid similar incidents in the future. The association has consistently advocated for media freedom and will remain vigilant against any threats to these freedoms. They are prepared to engage constructively with all stakeholders to safeguard accountability and uphold the public’s right to information.
This situation underscores the importance of protecting journalistic freedoms in Fiji, reflecting the ongoing necessity for transparency and communication between media entities and governing bodies.
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