Fiji’s Minister for Policing and Communications, Ioane Naivalurua, has mandated immediate enhancements to security at all courthouse facilities following the violent attack on journalist Apenisa Waqaidrovu outside a courthouse on Monday. Naivalurua condemned the incident, labeling it “unacceptable” and emphasizing that such violence poses a direct threat to democracy.
The attack on Waqaidrovu is part of a troubling pattern of aggression and intimidation directed at journalists who cover court matters in Fiji. Naivalurua noted that there have been multiple instances of media personnel being chased, threatened, verbally abused, or having their equipment damaged by individuals exiting court, underscoring a pervasive climate of hostility.
“Let me be very clear: no journalist in Fiji should ever be assaulted, intimidated, or obstructed while lawfully carrying out their work,” Naivalurua stated emphatically. He highlighted the legal and moral responsibility of the Fiji Police Force to protect media workers and criticized the ongoing failures in courthouse security.
Naivalurua has directed the Commissioner of Police to take urgent measures, which include reinforcing police presence for the protection of journalists outside courthouses, establishing secure protocols for crowd control and prisoner movements to avoid confrontations, ensuring that court escort officers are trained in risk assessment, and holding accountable any officer whose negligence leads to such incidents.
Emphasizing the critical role of a free press, Naivalurua stated that the safety of journalists is non-negotiable and crucial for public accountability and transparency. “When journalists are attacked, it is an attack on Fiji’s democracy and on the public’s right to know,” he declared.
The Ministry expressed solidarity with the Fiji Media Association’s concerns, advocating for enhanced standards and discipline within the police force. Naivalurua concluded that the Ministry would ensure all necessary actions are taken to protect media personnel and restore public trust in courthouse security, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding the freedoms vital to a functioning democracy.
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