The Ministry of Policing and Communications has ordered immediate action after an attack on a journalist outside the High Court yesterday.
Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua condemned the assault, saying it follows “several previous occasions in which media personnel have been chased, threatened, sworn at, or had their equipment struck or damaged by accused or convicted persons exiting court.”
“Let me be very clear: no journalist in Fiji should ever be assaulted, intimidated, or obstructed while lawfully carrying out their work,” he said.
Naivalurua said the Fiji Police Force has both a legal and moral duty to protect all citizens, including journalists who serve a vital role in informing the public.
He criticised repeated failures in courthouse security, calling them “unacceptable lapses that should have been anticipated and prevented.”
In a firm directive to the Commissioner of Police, the minister outlined four immediate steps the Police Force must implement.
These include strengthening police presence and protective measures for journalists outside all court premises and also introduction of clear and secure crowd-control and prisoner-movement protocols to prevent offenders from coming into contact with media personnel.
The Minister also wants all court escort officers are properly briefed on risk assessment and safeguarding responsibilities and holding accountable any officer whose negligence contributes to such incidents.
“Journalists must be able to carry out their work freely, safely, and without fear of harassment, intimidation, or injury. A free press is a pillar of good governance, public accountability, and national transparency,” Naivalurua said.
“When journalists are attacked, it is an attack on Fiji’s democracy and on the public’s right to know.”
He said the ministry fully acknowledges concerns raised by the Fiji Media Association and agrees that police must lift their operational standards and vigilance.
“The safety of our journalists is non-negotiable. The Ministry will ensure that the Fiji Police Force takes all necessary actions to safeguard media personnel and restore public confidence in security at our courthouses,” Naivalurua said.
