NGOs claim self censorship by newspapers

Publish date/time: 03/09/2012 [08:20]

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has raised concerns on freedom of expression in Fiji following claims that the major local newspapers were unable to print a paid advertisement which raised certain questions on the constitution review process.

This is in relation to a press statement released about three weeks ago which was covered extensively by Fijivillage about the women’s NGOs raising concern about the makeup and appointment of the members of the Constituent Assembly, immunity, the non-negotiable principles and claiming that there is an environment that restricts full participation and debate in a constitution making process.

Shamima Ali now said with the media outlets not running their statement, the media is not free.

However, Fijivillage covered the earlier statement on the NGOs concerns extensively and also carried balanced reports with the response from Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

We asked Ali about this and although there is nothing in Ali’s statement about the NGOs concerns being highlighted on all CFL stations and our website, fijivillage.com, she claimed that it is in the statement.

Stay with us as we will contact the two major newspaper companies today as Ali claimed that one refused to print the advertisement while the other wanted to have a meeting to dilute the contents of the advertisement.

Story by: Vijay Narayan & Gwen McGoon