Fiji to tighten court security after attack on journalists

Minister calls for stronger court security after attack on journalists

Fiji’s Minister for Information, Lynda Tabuya, has urged police to bolster security around courts following an attack on journalists by convicted murderer Tevita Kapawale during court proceedings yesterday. Tabuya said protecting reporters is essential to safeguarding democracy and asked police to use secure routes for suspects, keep media personnel safe, and stay vigilant to potential risks.

In addition, she pledged to push for tougher laws against harassment of journalists and encouraged media outlets to provide support and safe reporting channels. Tabuya commended the courage of reporters and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to press freedom, open justice, and keeping the public informed.

Context and added perspective
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about media safety in Fiji and the Pacific region. The Fijian Media Association (FMA) has previously condemned attacks on journalists covering high-profile court cases and urged immediate improvements in security protocols for court proceedings. Calls have included securing perimeters during prisoner transfers, maintaining a visible police presence at court entrances, and establishing clear, published safety protocols for media access.

Practical steps urged by industry groups
– Immediate review and tightening of prisoner-escort procedures around major courts, with controlled access routes and buffer zones between detainees and media.
– A clearly visible and adequate police presence to protect journalists at court entrances and during transfers.
– Published protocols for media access and safety, developed collaboratively by judiciary, police, and media representatives.
– Targeted protections for female journalists, reflecting documented risks and past harassment.
– Incident reporting and independent review of security breaches to ensure accountability and ongoing improvement.

Why this matters
When reporters are obstructed or threatened during coverage of court matters, public access to justice is undermined. Ensuring journalist safety is essential for transparency and democracy, allowing the public to stay informed about legal proceedings and accountability.

Hopeful angle
This incident presents an opportunity for continued collaboration among the judiciary, police, and media to implement timely reforms that enhance reporter safety, reinforce open justice, and strengthen public confidence in how court proceedings are managed. Newsrooms, regulators, and law enforcement can use this moment to reinforce risk assessments, reporting protocols, and support systems that protect journalists while enabling coverage of matters of public interest.