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To: IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)
From: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), newsletter@ifj.org
Media Release: Fiji
June 18, 2007
IFJ slams Fijian government's deportation and blacklisting of New Zealand
journalist
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has slammed the Fijian
government for the detainment and deportation of deporting a New Zealand
journalist as an attack on the freedom of the press.
According to local reports, Fairfax journalist Michael Field was detained
on arrival at Suva airport and informed he had been "blacklisted", before
being deported several hours later on June 15.
Field, who arrived in Fiji to cover the diplomatic crisis resulting from
Fiji's decision to expel New Zealand's high commissioner, was reportedly
deported in response the government's unhappiness over critical stories he
had earlier written on the military-imposed Fijian government.
"The blacklisting arrest and deportation of a foreign journalists strikes
at the heart of democracy and a free media," IFJ Asia-Pacific Director
Jacqueline Park said.
According to IFJ New Zealand affiliate, the Engineering, Printing and
Manufacturing Union (EPMU), this was an action clearly calculated to
intimidate and silence voices critical of the regime.
"Intimidation towards foreign and local journalists in Fiji is unacceptable
and raises genuine concerns about the government's commitment to a free
press and democratic society," Park said.
"In promoting democracy in the country, the Fijian government must allow
journalists to move freely, and report without fear or favour."
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 115 countries
**The information contained in this autolist item is the sole
responsibility of IFJ**
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