THE Fiji Media Association (FMA) has raised concerns over the detention of citizen publisher Charlie Charters yesterday.
Mr Charters was earlier stopped at Nadi International Airport and later taken into custody by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
In a statement, the FMA said it was alarmed the detention and arrest appeared reminiscent of a period the media had fought hard to move beyond.
“The FMA stresses that any detention or arrest must be conducted strictly within the law, with due process observed at every step and clear public information provided to maintain confidence,” the statement said.
“We urge the relevant authorities to confirm Mr Charters’ current status (detained/arrested/charged/released), the agency responsible, and the next procedural steps, including court processes where applicable.”
The association said it was concerned about the potential threat to freedom of expression posed by the arrest, noting Mr Charters’ outspoken posts and articles regarding FICAC and the Fiji Sports Council.
“Separately, the FMA notes the Fiji Sports Council’s clarification that there was no directive to ban the media, and that journalists were turned away due to a miscommunication with security personnel.
“However, it remains concerning that security officers reportedly told journalists from more than one media organisation that the ‘ban’ was a directive from the CEO.”
The FMA stated that Fiji Sports Council facilities were venues for sporting events of community and national interest and that it was in the public interest for journalists to cover such events.
“It is also beneficial for the sponsorship of national sporting bodies and potential sports stars of the future that journalists are given free access to cover sporting events at FSC facilities across the country.
“The FMA urges the FSC to ensure media access and to ensure all venue security are properly briefed to prevent a repeat of today’s incident.”
The association said it had long advocated for media freedom and freedom of expression and would not stand by if these freedoms were denied or suppressed.
“The FMA is alarmed and on alert as it sees risks and evidence of emerging threats to media freedom emerging.
“The FMA stands ready to engage constructively with all parties to protect media freedom, accountability, and the public’s right to know.”
