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FIJI:
PINA comments on harrassment of journalists
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Title -- FIJI: PINA comments on harrassment of journalists -
P81
Date -- 2 September, 1998
Byline -- None
Source -- PINA; IFEX
Copyright -- PINA
Status -- Unabridged
Origin -- Pacific Media
Watch
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2 September 1998
PINA president comments on investigation of New Zealand university
lecturers
[See David Robie's media statement in
response to this statement.]
SOURCE: Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), Suva
(PINA/IFEX) - The president of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), William Parkinson, of the Fiji Islands, has commented on the Fiji Government's "review" of the work permits of University of the South Pacific journalism lecturers David Robie and Ingrid Leary.
Parkinson, who is also managing director of the region's biggest independent radio station network, said that PINA understands some individuals and organisations that are members of PINA have made complaints to the Fiji Government alleging work permit breaches by the two New Zealanders. He said those complaining are exercising their rights.
"We have not made a statement with regards to this matter as we wanted to make sure we understood the nature of the complaint with regards their alleged breaching of work permits," he said of the PINA position.
"The protection of the principals of freedom of expression is at the heart of PINA's existence and this applies to Academic Freedom as it does to Media Freedom.
"We understand that, in this case, many of the complaints relate to breaches of their work permit conditions with regards outside work for local media organisations. We would, of course, be very concerned if this was at the expense of the jobs of local journalists.
"In the case of Mr Robie's web site and concerns expressed on some of the content, we would hope that the content of the site would cover stories in a fair and balanced manner, as would be expected from the head of [University of the South Pacific's] USP's journalism programme.
"In the event that the Government of Fiji has a complaint about this content then we suggest that this be made to the Fiji Media Council or to the USP Council rather then threatening his work permit."
For further information, contact Nina Ratulele, Coordinator, PINA Pacific Freedom of Information Network, Pacific Islands News Association, PINA Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands; Street Address; 46 Gordon Street, Level 2 Damodar Centre, Suva, Fiji Islands, tel: +679 303623, fax: +679 303943/302101, e-mail: pina@is.com.fj or plomas@ibi.com.fj (attention: Nina/PINA), Internet site: http://www.pressasia.org/PFA/
The information contained in this alert update is the sole responsibility of PINA. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit PINA.
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DISTRIBUTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION EXCHANGE (IFEX) CLEARING HOUSE
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