The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) is calling for the reinforcement of freedom of expression and press freedom throughout the Pacific region. This comes in light of a defamation lawsuit brought against the national newspaper, Island Times Palau, by the father of Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr.
The lawsuit, initiated by Whipps Sr.’s company, Surangel and Sons, targets the newspaper’s editor, Leilani Reklai. Whipps Jr. has publicly criticized Island Times, labeling its content as “political propaganda” and claiming it lacks accuracy.
In response to this situation, PINA has pledged to seek both regional and international backing for Reklai. PINA’s president, Kalafi Moala, emphasized the vital role of media as protectors of democracy, stating that the situation in Palau reflects a broader challenge facing media freedoms in the Pacific.
Moala declared, “We are calling for immediate freedom, not just in Palau, but throughout the Pacific.” He expressed concern that press freedom and free speech have been under threat in various countries, particularly from political authorities, contributing to an atmosphere of intimidation.
PINA officially communicated its concerns by sending a letter to the office of the President of Palau prior to elections held on Tuesday, underscoring the relationship between freedom of speech and democracy.
This call for support highlights the ongoing struggle for media freedom in the region and the importance of protecting journalistic integrity as a cornerstone of democratic societies.
In summary, PINA is advocating for media freedoms amidst a troubling lawsuit in Palau, emphasizing the essential connection between press freedom and democracy, especially during a time of elections. The voices within the region are coming together, fostering hope for a future where freedom of speech and press can thrive.
The positive takeaway is that there is a collective effort to defend press freedoms in the face of challenges, highlighting the resilience and commitment of those advocating for democracy in the Pacific Islands.
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