. . .
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release: 1st April 2009
THREATS to close down Fiji Times indicate a serious escalation in attempts by the interim regime to control all aspects of life in the republic, warn members of the Pacific Freedom Forum.
They also called on Fiji media to do a “stock take” of their ethical performance, including how frequently newsrooms refer to codes of ethics.
PFF’s immediate concern, however, was the threat to close down an entire newspaper.
“Threatening and deporting publishers and foreign journalists is one thing,” says forum chair Susuve Laumaea. “Closing down one of the main sources of information for people in Fiji is quite another.”
Laumaea says carrying out the threat would represent a “serious escalation of assault on human rights, and a precursor to much wider abuses.”
Unprofessional police and army personnel might be emboldened by closure of the country’s leading daily newspaper, to the point where likelihood of serious injury or more deaths increase, he says.
PFF co-chair Monica Miller says closing a newspaper shuts off a much needed safety valve for any society.
“With fewer newspapers journalists, Fiji people will not be able to stay as accurately informed and in touch with what is happening in their own country.
“There is a risk that ill-informed citizens might become inflamed by rumours and gossip, adding to potential for increased violence.”
She said that if the regime was concerned about destabilisation of their rule then facts from a newspaper had much less impact than word-of-mouth, often wildly inaccurate.
Both are calling on the regime and the media in Fiji to closely study the review report from the Fiji Media Council.
Says Laumaea: “Fiji media need to give themselves time out from their busy schedule to review the report, at all levels, from newsrooms to management.”
One of the world’s longest running newspapers, now 139 years old, the Fiji Times has been a leading critic since the first coup in 1987.
Miller says an ethical stock-take would be a small price to pay to avoid closure of a daily that would mean the loss of an institution from Fiji and the region as a whole.
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea /Sunday Chronicle Newspaper/ Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040
Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller/ KHJ Radio/ American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793
Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum is a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
Pacific Freedom Forum is a regional media body, monitoring threats to press freedom and journalism ethics across Oceania.
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Samoa attacks on media highlight need for church partnerships
. . .
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: 31 March 2009
The Pacific Freedom Forum is asking for partnerships with Pacific church leaders in the wake of last weeks attacks on journalists outside the courthouse in Apia.
Samoa media reported a TV crew and photographer were mobbed as they attended court last week, and managed to avoid serious injury when they escaped into the office of the CEO of Justice.
The court case involved a 62-year-old former pastor found guilty in a jury trial of attempted rape and indecent assault involving a 17-year-old woman in his former congregation.
However the presiding judge reversed the verdict on the attempted rape charge and accepted the finding on the indecent assault charge, saying he will pass sentence in August.
“The Pacific Freedom Forum condemns the attacks on media workers going about the sometimes difficult job of informing the public, and we want to stress how important it is that we learn from this and reach out to partner those who need help in understanding our role,” says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
“Those who are closest to leaders whom we put on pedestals are often most likely to lash out at scapegoats when their leaders fail them, and it’s important for the public to understand their own anger and disappointment when these highly emotional trials take place,” he says.
PFF co-chair Monica Miller commended the important role of Samoa media colleagues in bringing the trial information into the public domain, within the legal constraints of a name suppression order and the cultural constraints of secrecy involving sexual misconduct amongst religious leaders.
“The fact that charges were laid gave the media an obligation to ensure coverage was fair to both the accused, and the community within which he served.”
“Ultimately, no good can ever come of a situation where the act of reporting on a crime is misunderstood and leads to more crimes being committed,” says Miller, who hails from Samoa. “It is the classic ‘shooting the messenger’ scenario which proves those with the mob mentality don’t understand the rule of law, and the role of their own journalists. The PFF is happy to make the offer to partner with relevant church agencies and build awareness in this regard.”
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea
Sunday Chronicle Newspaper
Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168
Office: 675-321-7040
Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller
KHJ Radio
American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197
Office 684 633-7793
Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: 31 March 2009
The Pacific Freedom Forum is asking for partnerships with Pacific church leaders in the wake of last weeks attacks on journalists outside the courthouse in Apia.
Samoa media reported a TV crew and photographer were mobbed as they attended court last week, and managed to avoid serious injury when they escaped into the office of the CEO of Justice.
The court case involved a 62-year-old former pastor found guilty in a jury trial of attempted rape and indecent assault involving a 17-year-old woman in his former congregation.
However the presiding judge reversed the verdict on the attempted rape charge and accepted the finding on the indecent assault charge, saying he will pass sentence in August.
“The Pacific Freedom Forum condemns the attacks on media workers going about the sometimes difficult job of informing the public, and we want to stress how important it is that we learn from this and reach out to partner those who need help in understanding our role,” says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
“Those who are closest to leaders whom we put on pedestals are often most likely to lash out at scapegoats when their leaders fail them, and it’s important for the public to understand their own anger and disappointment when these highly emotional trials take place,” he says.
PFF co-chair Monica Miller commended the important role of Samoa media colleagues in bringing the trial information into the public domain, within the legal constraints of a name suppression order and the cultural constraints of secrecy involving sexual misconduct amongst religious leaders.
“The fact that charges were laid gave the media an obligation to ensure coverage was fair to both the accused, and the community within which he served.”
“Ultimately, no good can ever come of a situation where the act of reporting on a crime is misunderstood and leads to more crimes being committed,” says Miller, who hails from Samoa. “It is the classic ‘shooting the messenger’ scenario which proves those with the mob mentality don’t understand the rule of law, and the role of their own journalists. The PFF is happy to make the offer to partner with relevant church agencies and build awareness in this regard.”
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea
Sunday Chronicle Newspaper
Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168
Office: 675-321-7040
Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller
KHJ Radio
American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197
Office 684 633-7793
Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
Monday, 30 March 2009
what is xix
. . .
What is the signifigance of the letters XIX in our logo, above top? In fact, they are Roman numbers for "19" - as in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as pictured above, guaranteeing freedoms of speech.
One of the leading freedoms of speech groups is named after Article 19 - and for members of the Pacific Freedom Forum, the roman numerals look a bit like traditional motifs as well.
. . .
What is the signifigance of the letters XIX in our logo, above top? In fact, they are Roman numbers for "19" - as in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as pictured above, guaranteeing freedoms of speech.
"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
One of the leading freedoms of speech groups is named after Article 19 - and for members of the Pacific Freedom Forum, the roman numerals look a bit like traditional motifs as well.
. . .
Another deportation marks regime of fear in Fiji
. . .
Media Release
Another deportation marks regime of fear in Fiji: Pacific Freedom Forum
For immediate release: 27 January, 2009
Pago Pago, American Samoa: -- The deportation this week of Fiji Times publisher Rex Gardner ignores due process and is clearly aimed at sending a message of fear and intimidation to the people of Fiji. That's the view of the Pacific Freedom Forum, a regional group of Pacific journalists advocating the right of Pacific nations to be served by a free and open media.
According to media reports, Gardner was issued his deportation order yesterday and was to have left Fiji for Australia this morning.
He was charged late 2008 alongside Fiji Times Editor Netani Rika for contempt of court after the newspaper printed a Letter to the Editor which was critical of the court judgement legitimising the 2006 military coup. Both pled guilty to the contempt charge and were sentenced late last week.
Gardner had been discharged by the sentencing judge; with one legal opinion yesterday stating his work permit status should not have been affected.
"The Fiji Times accepted they were in contempt of court, and were planning to appeal the penalty imposed. Even if the military regime wanted to revoke Gardner's work permit, this would have involved a process which obviously has been ignored here," says PFF Chair Susuve Laumaea, of Papua New Guinea.
"It's my hope that the current Pacific Forum Leaders meeting on the Fiji situation in my home country is able to deliver a strong message of concern to the current regime, over the campaign of intimidation and fear being carried out against anyone with a dissenting view; with the media and NGO activists being the scapegoats."
"This is not in line with the commitments to good governance and a Pacific vision for all, and it certainly isn't in keeping with mature leadership able to handle criticism, or even take its own credibility seriously," he says.
Gardner is the third publisher – all of them Australian, deported from Fiji in the last 12 months. His predecessor Evan Hannah was deported some eight months ago, and a few months before that, the Fiji Sun editor Russell Hunter was also deported.
PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa says the current scenario sends observers the signal that the regime is "confused and reactionary" in its dealings with the news media.
"Gardner was discharged on condition that he not break any laws for one year. Now, the government seems to have broken their own regulations and deported him," she says.
"This is clearly a case of the government flexing its muscles on the remaining staff, letter writers, and readers of Fiji Times and chipping away at what's left of media freedom in a country which used to be a bastion of free and independent reporting and free expression in the Pacific."
She says the intimidation of the media must also be taken as an intimidation of Fiji's citizens who would now be made to feel that they do not have the total freedom to table their opinions and views within the public realm.
"The deportation of Rex Gardner is tragic evidence that personal freedom for the people of Fiji is under threat, and that's something our Forum Leaders must take very seriously," she says.ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
Media Release
Another deportation marks regime of fear in Fiji: Pacific Freedom Forum
For immediate release: 27 January, 2009
Pago Pago, American Samoa: -- The deportation this week of Fiji Times publisher Rex Gardner ignores due process and is clearly aimed at sending a message of fear and intimidation to the people of Fiji. That's the view of the Pacific Freedom Forum, a regional group of Pacific journalists advocating the right of Pacific nations to be served by a free and open media.
According to media reports, Gardner was issued his deportation order yesterday and was to have left Fiji for Australia this morning.
He was charged late 2008 alongside Fiji Times Editor Netani Rika for contempt of court after the newspaper printed a Letter to the Editor which was critical of the court judgement legitimising the 2006 military coup. Both pled guilty to the contempt charge and were sentenced late last week.
Gardner had been discharged by the sentencing judge; with one legal opinion yesterday stating his work permit status should not have been affected.
"The Fiji Times accepted they were in contempt of court, and were planning to appeal the penalty imposed. Even if the military regime wanted to revoke Gardner's work permit, this would have involved a process which obviously has been ignored here," says PFF Chair Susuve Laumaea, of Papua New Guinea.
"It's my hope that the current Pacific Forum Leaders meeting on the Fiji situation in my home country is able to deliver a strong message of concern to the current regime, over the campaign of intimidation and fear being carried out against anyone with a dissenting view; with the media and NGO activists being the scapegoats."
"This is not in line with the commitments to good governance and a Pacific vision for all, and it certainly isn't in keeping with mature leadership able to handle criticism, or even take its own credibility seriously," he says.
Gardner is the third publisher – all of them Australian, deported from Fiji in the last 12 months. His predecessor Evan Hannah was deported some eight months ago, and a few months before that, the Fiji Sun editor Russell Hunter was also deported.
PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa says the current scenario sends observers the signal that the regime is "confused and reactionary" in its dealings with the news media.
"Gardner was discharged on condition that he not break any laws for one year. Now, the government seems to have broken their own regulations and deported him," she says.
"This is clearly a case of the government flexing its muscles on the remaining staff, letter writers, and readers of Fiji Times and chipping away at what's left of media freedom in a country which used to be a bastion of free and independent reporting and free expression in the Pacific."
She says the intimidation of the media must also be taken as an intimidation of Fiji's citizens who would now be made to feel that they do not have the total freedom to table their opinions and views within the public realm.
"The deportation of Rex Gardner is tragic evidence that personal freedom for the people of Fiji is under threat, and that's something our Forum Leaders must take very seriously," she says.ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
PFF condemns assassination of Sri Lankan editor
. . .
Media Release
Pacific Freedom Forum condemns assassination of Sri Lankan editor
For immediate release: 21 January 2009 – The Pacific Freedom Forum joins the global condemnation of the assassination of Sri Lankan newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunge on January 8 and calls on the Sri Lankan authorities to act swiftly to bring his killers to justice.
Wickrematunge predicted his death in an editorial written only days before he was shot in the head by gunmen on motorbikes. Published posthumously in the Sunday Leader, the newspaper Wickrematunge co-founded 15 years ago, the chilling editorial hinted at the hand he believed would be responsible for his killing but added that it was unlikely that his murderers would face justice.
Wickrematunge's death is a horrific reminder of the censorship and dangers independent journalists and media organisations face in Sri Lanka from both the government and Tamil Tiger rebels.
"As journalists, activists and members of civil society, we stand in solidarity with Wickrematunge's family and the staff of the Sunday Leader. Indeed, our thoughts are with all those journalists in Sri Lanka who, despite the threat of assault, abduction, arrest and death,
remain unafraid and continue to champion alternative viewpoints freely and fairly," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"As fellow Asia-Pacific citizens, we call on the government of Sri Lanka to successfully complete its investigation into Wickrematunge's death and bring those responsible to justice," he says.
"While it may be specific to Sri Lanka, the editorial speaks to all of us. It's a testament to the universal right to freedom of expression and information, and the challenges journalists face in pursuing that right on behalf of the public. It is highly relevant to any community, and I would encourage anyone, whether working in the media or not, to read it."
Co-chair of the Pacific Freedom Forum, Monica Miller, says the killings, violent attacks and threats against journalists are an attack on the whole of society.
"Journalists have a responsibility to report without fear or favour and ensure the public's right to know what is happening in their countries," she says.
"We in the Pacific media industry are reminded at this time of the extraordinary courage of people like Wickrematunge. His moral courage - what he termed the 'call of conscience'; is something the world needs more of. Let us not be afraid to speak out against injustices even if we are in the minority. Let us not be afraid to speak out for those without a voice."
For many in the Pacific, removed from the day to day reality of the ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka, Wickrematunge's outspokenness may seem hard to contextualize. Yet in a country such as Sri Lanka, which holds the record for the greatest number of journalist disappearances
reported to the UN, even UN and other development agencies and consular offices released messages condemning his murder.
Sri Lanka scored the lowest ranking of any democratic country in the Reporters Without Borders 2008 press freedom index (165th out of 173 countries). During 2008, two journalists were killed in the country and two others were in prison.
The last editorial of Lasantha Wickrematunge is in its first-published form online at the following link to The Sunday leader web site :
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090111/editorial-.htm
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of
Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
Media Release
Pacific Freedom Forum condemns assassination of Sri Lankan editor
For immediate release: 21 January 2009 – The Pacific Freedom Forum joins the global condemnation of the assassination of Sri Lankan newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunge on January 8 and calls on the Sri Lankan authorities to act swiftly to bring his killers to justice.
Wickrematunge predicted his death in an editorial written only days before he was shot in the head by gunmen on motorbikes. Published posthumously in the Sunday Leader, the newspaper Wickrematunge co-founded 15 years ago, the chilling editorial hinted at the hand he believed would be responsible for his killing but added that it was unlikely that his murderers would face justice.
Wickrematunge's death is a horrific reminder of the censorship and dangers independent journalists and media organisations face in Sri Lanka from both the government and Tamil Tiger rebels.
"As journalists, activists and members of civil society, we stand in solidarity with Wickrematunge's family and the staff of the Sunday Leader. Indeed, our thoughts are with all those journalists in Sri Lanka who, despite the threat of assault, abduction, arrest and death,
remain unafraid and continue to champion alternative viewpoints freely and fairly," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"As fellow Asia-Pacific citizens, we call on the government of Sri Lanka to successfully complete its investigation into Wickrematunge's death and bring those responsible to justice," he says.
"While it may be specific to Sri Lanka, the editorial speaks to all of us. It's a testament to the universal right to freedom of expression and information, and the challenges journalists face in pursuing that right on behalf of the public. It is highly relevant to any community, and I would encourage anyone, whether working in the media or not, to read it."
Co-chair of the Pacific Freedom Forum, Monica Miller, says the killings, violent attacks and threats against journalists are an attack on the whole of society.
"Journalists have a responsibility to report without fear or favour and ensure the public's right to know what is happening in their countries," she says.
"We in the Pacific media industry are reminded at this time of the extraordinary courage of people like Wickrematunge. His moral courage - what he termed the 'call of conscience'; is something the world needs more of. Let us not be afraid to speak out against injustices even if we are in the minority. Let us not be afraid to speak out for those without a voice."
For many in the Pacific, removed from the day to day reality of the ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka, Wickrematunge's outspokenness may seem hard to contextualize. Yet in a country such as Sri Lanka, which holds the record for the greatest number of journalist disappearances
reported to the UN, even UN and other development agencies and consular offices released messages condemning his murder.
Sri Lanka scored the lowest ranking of any democratic country in the Reporters Without Borders 2008 press freedom index (165th out of 173 countries). During 2008, two journalists were killed in the country and two others were in prison.
The last editorial of Lasantha Wickrematunge is in its first-published form online at the following link to The Sunday leader web site :
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090111/editorial-.htm
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of
Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
archive media releases from PFF
MEDIA RELEASES ARCHIVE
. . .
25 oct 2008 PFF condemns assault of Pacific media veteran
29 oct 2008 Samoa commission must let media do job
31 oct 2008 PFF warns against culture of intimidation in Fiji
14 nov 2008 PFF calls on Fiji AG to stop assault on human rights
27 nov 2008 PFF applauds Justice Lloyd decision in Fiji
17 dec 2008 Fiji debacle a shame for pacific leadership says PFF
21 jan 2009 Attack against marc neil jones an outrage
21 jan 2009 PFF condemns assassination of Sri Lankan editor
27 jan 2009 Another deportation marks regime of fear in Fiji
11 feb 2009 PFF statement on assault of Vanuatu Daily Post journalist
05 mar 2009 Pacific Freedom Forum petitions against defamation case
12 mar 2009 Leaders must speak out against Fiji media attacks
23 mar 2009 Regional bodies urged to step up on Fiji
31 mar 2009 Samoa attacks on media highlight need for church partnerships
01 apr 2009 PFF urges Fiji regime and media to review ethics report
14 apr 2009 No room for military in news rooms - PFF
16 apr 2009 Kelea damages ruling excessive says Pacific Freedom Forum
17 apr 2009 MILK ban unhealthy for Samoa says Pacific Freedom Forum
17 apr 2009 Regime wants spin not journalism says PFF
. . .
. . .
25 oct 2008 PFF condemns assault of Pacific media veteran
29 oct 2008 Samoa commission must let media do job
31 oct 2008 PFF warns against culture of intimidation in Fiji
14 nov 2008 PFF calls on Fiji AG to stop assault on human rights
27 nov 2008 PFF applauds Justice Lloyd decision in Fiji
17 dec 2008 Fiji debacle a shame for pacific leadership says PFF
21 jan 2009 Attack against marc neil jones an outrage
21 jan 2009 PFF condemns assassination of Sri Lankan editor
27 jan 2009 Another deportation marks regime of fear in Fiji
11 feb 2009 PFF statement on assault of Vanuatu Daily Post journalist
05 mar 2009 Pacific Freedom Forum petitions against defamation case
12 mar 2009 Leaders must speak out against Fiji media attacks
23 mar 2009 Regional bodies urged to step up on Fiji
31 mar 2009 Samoa attacks on media highlight need for church partnerships
01 apr 2009 PFF urges Fiji regime and media to review ethics report
14 apr 2009 No room for military in news rooms - PFF
16 apr 2009 Kelea damages ruling excessive says Pacific Freedom Forum
17 apr 2009 MILK ban unhealthy for Samoa says Pacific Freedom Forum
17 apr 2009 Regime wants spin not journalism says PFF
. . .
fiji debacle a shame for pacific leadership says PFF
Pacific Freedom Forum
mediafreedom@googlegroups.com
MEDIA RELEASE
Fiji regime's latest journalist debacle a shame for Pacific leadership: PFF
Wednesday 17 December, 2008 -- The overnight detention on arrival in Fiji and refused entry of NZ-based Pacific journalist Barbara Dreaver on Monday night is a shameful indictment of fear and insecurity by the current military regime there.
That's the view of the Pacific Freedom Forum, an online media network of Pacific journalists aimed at promoting the right of Pacific people to be informed and to speak their minds via a free and independent media.
The regional media network says the image of Pacific leadership amongst Forum nations is being seriously damaged by Fiji's army-led government.
"The latest incident involving Ms Dreaver, an experienced Pacific journalist, and implicating her in a secret 'watch list' when she already had clearance from the Ministry of Information to do her job is undermining the credibility of the regime.
"When leaders state a public commitment to media freedom, and then blatantly set out to silence it, they come off looking ridiculous," says Freedom Forum chair Susuve Laumaea.
"This is a shameful example of insecure leadership in a nation which houses the secretariat for our regional leaders and so many other development partners committed to principles of good governance and the human rights of all Pacific people," says Laumaea.
The Papua New Guinea journalist and media commentator says it is "especially shameful as Ms Dreaver is an award winning journalist whose only reason for being barred from entry was for her commitment to her profession."
Dreaver hails from Kiribati and the Cook Islands, where her investigative journalism helped win a former newspaper, weekly Cook Islands Press, the 1996 PINA Media Freedom Award, along with then publisher Jason Brown.
She is also a recipient of the New Zealand Qantas media awards and has been involved in training partnerships with Fiji media colleagues.
PFF co-chair Monica Miller, News Director of 93 KHJ Radio in American Samoa and former President of the Pacific Islands News Association, says the latest incident is a worrying trend in a litany of harassment against media workers by Fiji's government.
"For Dreaver and other journalists, this treatment is just part of getting to the truth," says Miller , "but my heart goes out to the people of Fiji who have to suffer the consequences of such dictatorial leadership." ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
mediafreedom@googlegroups.com
MEDIA RELEASE
Fiji regime's latest journalist debacle a shame for Pacific leadership: PFF
Wednesday 17 December, 2008 -- The overnight detention on arrival in Fiji and refused entry of NZ-based Pacific journalist Barbara Dreaver on Monday night is a shameful indictment of fear and insecurity by the current military regime there.
That's the view of the Pacific Freedom Forum, an online media network of Pacific journalists aimed at promoting the right of Pacific people to be informed and to speak their minds via a free and independent media.
The regional media network says the image of Pacific leadership amongst Forum nations is being seriously damaged by Fiji's army-led government.
"The latest incident involving Ms Dreaver, an experienced Pacific journalist, and implicating her in a secret 'watch list' when she already had clearance from the Ministry of Information to do her job is undermining the credibility of the regime.
"When leaders state a public commitment to media freedom, and then blatantly set out to silence it, they come off looking ridiculous," says Freedom Forum chair Susuve Laumaea.
"This is a shameful example of insecure leadership in a nation which houses the secretariat for our regional leaders and so many other development partners committed to principles of good governance and the human rights of all Pacific people," says Laumaea.
The Papua New Guinea journalist and media commentator says it is "especially shameful as Ms Dreaver is an award winning journalist whose only reason for being barred from entry was for her commitment to her profession."
Dreaver hails from Kiribati and the Cook Islands, where her investigative journalism helped win a former newspaper, weekly Cook Islands Press, the 1996 PINA Media Freedom Award, along with then publisher Jason Brown.
She is also a recipient of the New Zealand Qantas media awards and has been involved in training partnerships with Fiji media colleagues.
PFF co-chair Monica Miller, News Director of 93 KHJ Radio in American Samoa and former President of the Pacific Islands News Association, says the latest incident is a worrying trend in a litany of harassment against media workers by Fiji's government.
"For Dreaver and other journalists, this treatment is just part of getting to the truth," says Miller , "but my heart goes out to the people of Fiji who have to suffer the consequences of such dictatorial leadership." ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
Samoa commission must let media do job
Pacific Freedom Forum
mediafreedom@googlegroups.com
MEDIA RELEASE
Samoa Commission must let the media do its job, says Pacific Freedom Forum
For immediate release: Wednesday 29 October, 2008 – The Pacific Freedom Forum, a network of working journalists, trainers, students of journalism and advocates of media freedom respectfully calls on the Samoa Commission of Enquiry probing allegations of gun smuggling to lift restrictions that it has imposed on media coverage of the inquiry.
The PFF commends the Commission of Enquiry for opening up hearings and proceedings to the media; but says allowing access alone doesn't ensure information from the hearing is passed on to those who need to receive it: the people of Samoa.
Pacific Freedom Forum Chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea says reversing the rule on media attendance will help restore credibility to the independence of the Commission of Enquiry, and serve as an endorsement by the leaders of Samoa that a free and independent media continues to be a part of Samoa's role model status for growth and development in the Pacific region.
"Depending on news releases written by commission staff whose mandate is not the same as journalists/reporters is the same as holding the hearings behind closed doors, says Samoan journalist Monica Miller, who is co-chair of the Pacific Freedom Forum.
"Under the commission's rules the media will be present but cannot report on what it sees and hears. This amounts to gagging the media," she says.
The Pacific Freedom Forum notes the boycotting of the commission by the daily Samoa Observer newspaper, and supports this strong objection to the camouflaged silencing of the media.
We respectfully request Ombudsman Maiava Iulai as Commission chair to remove the restrictions and allow the media to report freely and responsibly on the commission's probe of a matter that holds much public interest.
In acknowledging the Commission's duty and responsibilities we sincerely hope that the commission will recognize that the Samoa media must be able to serve its own duty and responsibilities to the people of Samoa.
The commission opened its enquiry earlier this month into how guns were transported from American Samoa to Samoa in May. The transfer implicates high level leadership in the very positions that should be monitoring the illegal movement of arms. ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
mediafreedom@googlegroups.com
MEDIA RELEASE
Samoa Commission must let the media do its job, says Pacific Freedom Forum
For immediate release: Wednesday 29 October, 2008 – The Pacific Freedom Forum, a network of working journalists, trainers, students of journalism and advocates of media freedom respectfully calls on the Samoa Commission of Enquiry probing allegations of gun smuggling to lift restrictions that it has imposed on media coverage of the inquiry.
The PFF commends the Commission of Enquiry for opening up hearings and proceedings to the media; but says allowing access alone doesn't ensure information from the hearing is passed on to those who need to receive it: the people of Samoa.
Pacific Freedom Forum Chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea says reversing the rule on media attendance will help restore credibility to the independence of the Commission of Enquiry, and serve as an endorsement by the leaders of Samoa that a free and independent media continues to be a part of Samoa's role model status for growth and development in the Pacific region.
"Depending on news releases written by commission staff whose mandate is not the same as journalists/reporters is the same as holding the hearings behind closed doors, says Samoan journalist Monica Miller, who is co-chair of the Pacific Freedom Forum.
"Under the commission's rules the media will be present but cannot report on what it sees and hears. This amounts to gagging the media," she says.
The Pacific Freedom Forum notes the boycotting of the commission by the daily Samoa Observer newspaper, and supports this strong objection to the camouflaged silencing of the media.
We respectfully request Ombudsman Maiava Iulai as Commission chair to remove the restrictions and allow the media to report freely and responsibly on the commission's probe of a matter that holds much public interest.
In acknowledging the Commission's duty and responsibilities we sincerely hope that the commission will recognize that the Samoa media must be able to serve its own duty and responsibilities to the people of Samoa.
The commission opened its enquiry earlier this month into how guns were transported from American Samoa to Samoa in May. The transfer implicates high level leadership in the very positions that should be monitoring the illegal movement of arms. ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
PFF statement on assault of Vanuatu Daily Post journalist Esther Tinning
Pacific Freedom Forum
mediafreedom@googlegroups.com
Media Release
Vanuatu Government must step up against attacks on media: Pacific Freedom Forum
For immediate release: Wednesday 11 February, 2009. – Two attacks in as many weeks against Vanuatu daily newspaper the Daily Post has left regional media watchdog the Pacific Freedom Forum "appalled and disgusted" at the growing culture of abuse against media workers.
Police officers are under investigation and facing charges for a vicious bashing of Daily Post publisher Marc Neil-Jones in January, even as other colleagues are now opening a second investigation into an attack on Daily Post freelancer Esther Tinning as she walked her children to school early last week.
Reports around the incident say Tinning, a USP graduate, was attacked by a local builder enraged by a feature piece she had written based on information provided by the assailants sister.
"We are awaiting updates on the extent of Ms Tinning's injuries and her condition following this cowardly attack," says Pacific Freedom Forum Chair Susuve Laumaea. "The very public nature of this assault provides an alarming picture of public perceptions around violence, and the twisted motives of her attacker," says Laumaea.
"We applaud the zero tolerance against violence policy of the Daily Post in lodging its complaint, urge the police to look beyond any negative perceptions and bias over Ms. Tinnings' work; and apply the rule of law to investigate this matter fairly and openly," he says.
Co-chair of the Freedom Forum Monica Miller says the assault is evidence of a wider problem in many Pacific nations, where more awareness on the role of the media, and complaint procedures for the public can help to avoid personal abuse and attack against individual journalists.
"It's my view that the latest incident is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to intimidation of journalists and attacks on women in journalism in particular," she says. "Much of what happens behind the news stories and afterwards is never dealt with in the public domain, and unfortunately never pursued in the legal system."
While acknowledging the role of NGOs in helping more people understand the media role in human rights and information work, Miller says it is also time for journalists to "stop accepting abuse and intimidation as part and parcel of their job, and for both journalists and our publics to say enough, and speak out when these occur."
"Following through on any personal attacks through the judicial system will help to build mutual understanding amongst journalists and their Pacific communities; as we all come to acknowledge the human rights of journalists as people just like any other worker in society," she says.
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
mediafreedom@googlegroups.com
Media Release
Vanuatu Government must step up against attacks on media: Pacific Freedom Forum
For immediate release: Wednesday 11 February, 2009. – Two attacks in as many weeks against Vanuatu daily newspaper the Daily Post has left regional media watchdog the Pacific Freedom Forum "appalled and disgusted" at the growing culture of abuse against media workers.
Police officers are under investigation and facing charges for a vicious bashing of Daily Post publisher Marc Neil-Jones in January, even as other colleagues are now opening a second investigation into an attack on Daily Post freelancer Esther Tinning as she walked her children to school early last week.
Reports around the incident say Tinning, a USP graduate, was attacked by a local builder enraged by a feature piece she had written based on information provided by the assailants sister.
"We are awaiting updates on the extent of Ms Tinning's injuries and her condition following this cowardly attack," says Pacific Freedom Forum Chair Susuve Laumaea. "The very public nature of this assault provides an alarming picture of public perceptions around violence, and the twisted motives of her attacker," says Laumaea.
"We applaud the zero tolerance against violence policy of the Daily Post in lodging its complaint, urge the police to look beyond any negative perceptions and bias over Ms. Tinnings' work; and apply the rule of law to investigate this matter fairly and openly," he says.
Co-chair of the Freedom Forum Monica Miller says the assault is evidence of a wider problem in many Pacific nations, where more awareness on the role of the media, and complaint procedures for the public can help to avoid personal abuse and attack against individual journalists.
"It's my view that the latest incident is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to intimidation of journalists and attacks on women in journalism in particular," she says. "Much of what happens behind the news stories and afterwards is never dealt with in the public domain, and unfortunately never pursued in the legal system."
While acknowledging the role of NGOs in helping more people understand the media role in human rights and information work, Miller says it is also time for journalists to "stop accepting abuse and intimidation as part and parcel of their job, and for both journalists and our publics to say enough, and speak out when these occur."
"Following through on any personal attacks through the judicial system will help to build mutual understanding amongst journalists and their Pacific communities; as we all come to acknowledge the human rights of journalists as people just like any other worker in society," she says.
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
Friday, 27 March 2009
attack against marc neil jones an outrage
Pacific Freedom Forum
mediafreedom@googlegroups.com
MEDIA RELEASE
Attack on Vanuatu publisher an outrage: Pacific Freedom Forum
For immediate release: 21 January, 2009
Perpetrators of the weekend attack in Port Vila on 51-year old Vanuatu publisher and editor Marc-Neil Jones should get a clear and strong message from Police investigators that intimidation and bashings of citizens is a clear abuse of their positions and a criminal offence, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
PFF chair Mr Susuve Laumaea said the Port Vila attack, by a number of men believed to be Vanuatu Correctional Services Department employees, had left Mr Neil-Jones with a number of injuries including a severely cut and bruised face.
The PFF, a regional network of working journalists, media freedom advocates, media trainers and journalism students, urged the leaders of the VPF investigation to adhere to the rule of law and not let personal agendas dictate their investigation. ‘We ask this because it is likely that the investigating VPF officers will know the assailants personally,” said Mr Laumaea.
“Justice in this case must be swift and public, as we understand that those behind this cowardly act are supposed to be the keepers of the rule of law and public safety,” Mr Laumaea said. He and PFF co-chair Monica Miller strongly condemned the attack on Neil-Jones, an insulin-dependent diabetic whose health has suffered as a result of previous assaults and intimidation by VPF officers over his anti-corruption reporting and media freedom advocacy.
“Media freedom in Vanuatu has suffered a mighty blow,” said Ms. Miller. “Marc Neil-Jones and his newspaper, the Vanuatu Daily Post, were serving the public interest with the series of investigative prison stories they published. The cowards who attacked one of Pacific’s most courageous and vocal advocates of media freedom and the public’s right to know should clearly understand that physical assaults on Neil-Jones won’t silence him, or his newspaper.”
Ms. Miller continued, “We are hopeful that the Honourable Prime Minister of Vanuatu’s swift action to remove the official responsible for the prison abuses reported by the Vanuatu Daily Post
will be swiftly followed by police action to identify and charge Neil-Jones’ assailants.”
Neil-Jones was attacked in the afternoon of last Saturday (17 January) in the Vanuatu Daily Post office compound. His attackers were angry at recent reports in the Post that led up to the Prime Minister’s Office announcement of the dismissal of Correctional Services Department Acting Director Joshua Bong.
Blaming the Daily Post for what they claimed was one-sided reporting, the men confronted Neil-Jones as he sat alone in his office, menacing him with a knife before threatening to shoot him. He was repeatedly punched in the face before falling to the ground, where he was kicked a number of times.
The attacks followed a recent editorial by Neil-Jones calling for the suspension of Mr Bong, pending the completion of a Commission of Inquiry into an ongoing crisis of management at the Port Vila jail. This crisis had resulted in numerous prison escapes, allegations of human rights abuses, and the burning down of the jail.
Before his replacement, Bong had demanded a meeting with Neil-Jones over a photo published by the Daily Post showing the prison gates wide open and unattended the week after 5 prisoners had escaped, walking out unhindered by prison authorities or police.
Neil – Jones has been an ongoing target of physical violence against the media over the years; and was deported at one stage for his corruption investigations into former Prime Minister Barak Sope. He has suffered from high blood pressure since being illegally thrown in prison by police after he had demanded the suspension of a police officer for assaulting his sports journalist in a rugby game between police and USP a few years ago.
ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
PFF media release fiji decision gets the thumbs up
Pacific Freedom Forum
mediafreedom@googlegroups.com
MEDIA RELEASE
Pacific Freedom Forum applauds Justice Lloyd decision in Fiji
For immediate release: Tuesday 27 November 2008 The Pacific Freedom Forum, an online network of Pacific journalists committed to advocacy of a free media and access to information, applauds the recent decision by Justice Ian Lloyd to open up Fiji Court of Appeal proceedings between its former and current governments.
The appeal, led by former PM Laisenia Qarase and other members of Fiji's last elected government comes after a Fiji High Court ruling last month validating their 2006 ousting. Qarase, his government, and the entire Parliament had been dissolved by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo in the aftermath of the military takeover and ensuing state of emergency, two years ago.
"We commend and praise His Honour's wisdom and foresight in ruling that if matters are held in chambers, this would subject the judiciary to public suspicion," says PFF chair, Susuve Laumaea.
"By opening up all appeal proceedings to the media, Justice Lloyd is ensuring that there will be unfettered and unrestricted coverage of a case that is of interest to the citizens of Fiji," he says.
Setting March 2009 as the date for proceedings Justice Lloyd has ruled out the question of having the hearing in chambers, away from public scrutiny. He noted that the original case had been opened up to the media in the spirit of ensuring public understanding of the issues involved.
The PFF co-chair Monica Miller says Justice Lloyd has recognized the need for the trial to be held in open court thereby maintaining the trust of the Fijian people in the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
"Coming at a time when the interim military regime has engaged in intimidating and harassing media organizations, journalists, editors and publishers, His Honour's decision gives us hope that the current climate is only temporary, and we sincerely hope that other decision makers of Fiji will emulate the example of Justice Lloyd in allowing open access to the media".
ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
--
"More and more, if you're not in the digital conversation about your community, you're not in a conversation that matters"
-- Alberto Ibargüen, President, The Knight Foundation.
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
Thanks for being part of the "Pacific Freedom Forum" and supporting press freedom in our region.
You can send emails to mediafreedom@googlegroups.com
Leaving? Send an email to
mediafreedom+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
Online: http://groups.google.com/group/mediafreedom?hl=en?hl=en
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
Thursday, 26 March 2009
pijo adopts white house moderator
. . .
NEWS
Informal discussions concerning the future of PINA are ongoing across the world's largest feature.
As a support group, PIJO members have an opportunity here to semi-formalise their views by participating in this forum, including anonymously if they chose, with their ideas, questions and suggestions. Members can then vote on which they like best.
This is non-binding on PINA but may be used as a measure of how accurately the association reflects input from the industry. Below is background to the moderator forum, from Google.. . .
Citizen participation that scales: a call to action
3/24/2009 07:44:00 PM
At Google we hold weekly town hall-style meetings with our founders, CEO, and guest speakers, which always feature a Q&A session.
Managing Q&A is a unique challenge with an audience of thousands, in offices around the world, who inevitably want to ask more questions than we have time to answer. To help address this challenge, we developed Google Moderator, built on App Engine.
Moderator gives participants a way to submit questions and vote for the ones they want answered. And thanks to the scale that App Engine provides, this application can now support tens of thousands of people at once. This gives everyone the chance to be heard in a way that gives priority to the issues that matter most to the broader group.As you may have heard, the White House is hosting an online town hall meeting on Thursday and has asked people to submit questions for the president and vote on which ones they think he should answer.We think technology can be a force for greater accountability and access between citizens and their elected officials.
We're excited that the White House has chosen to use the power of cloud-based applications like Google Moderator and App Engine to scale the president's direct dialogue with the American people.To take part in this experiment in citizen participation, please visit: http://WhiteHouse.gov/OpenForQuestionsPosted by Vic Gundotra, Vice President, Engineering
Permalink
Links to this post
Obama town hall: legalizing pot won't grow economy (Dealscape)
President Obama official schedule and guidance. March 26, 2009 ...
Experimentando con la participación ciudadana » El Blog de Enrique ...
Google Moderator Gets White House Endorsement paidContent.org
SearchCap: The Day In Search, March 25, 2009
Google Student Blog: Tell Obama what's on your mind
White House to Use Google Products for Online Town Hall Meeting
Googland: [G] Citizen participation that scales: a call to action
White House Using Google Moderator For Town Hall Meeting. And ...
. . .
NEWS
Informal discussions concerning the future of PINA are ongoing across the world's largest feature.
As a support group, PIJO members have an opportunity here to semi-formalise their views by participating in this forum, including anonymously if they chose, with their ideas, questions and suggestions. Members can then vote on which they like best.
This is non-binding on PINA but may be used as a measure of how accurately the association reflects input from the industry. Below is background to the moderator forum, from Google.. . .
Citizen participation that scales: a call to action
3/24/2009 07:44:00 PM
At Google we hold weekly town hall-style meetings with our founders, CEO, and guest speakers, which always feature a Q&A session.
Managing Q&A is a unique challenge with an audience of thousands, in offices around the world, who inevitably want to ask more questions than we have time to answer. To help address this challenge, we developed Google Moderator, built on App Engine.
Moderator gives participants a way to submit questions and vote for the ones they want answered. And thanks to the scale that App Engine provides, this application can now support tens of thousands of people at once. This gives everyone the chance to be heard in a way that gives priority to the issues that matter most to the broader group.As you may have heard, the White House is hosting an online town hall meeting on Thursday and has asked people to submit questions for the president and vote on which ones they think he should answer.We think technology can be a force for greater accountability and access between citizens and their elected officials.
We're excited that the White House has chosen to use the power of cloud-based applications like Google Moderator and App Engine to scale the president's direct dialogue with the American people.To take part in this experiment in citizen participation, please visit: http://WhiteHouse.gov/OpenForQuestionsPosted by Vic Gundotra, Vice President, Engineering
Permalink
Links to this post
Obama town hall: legalizing pot won't grow economy (Dealscape)
President Obama official schedule and guidance. March 26, 2009 ...
Experimentando con la participación ciudadana » El Blog de Enrique ...
Google Moderator Gets White House Endorsement paidContent.org
SearchCap: The Day In Search, March 25, 2009
Google Student Blog: Tell Obama what's on your mind
White House to Use Google Products for Online Town Hall Meeting
Googland: [G] Citizen participation that scales: a call to action
White House Using Google Moderator For Town Hall Meeting. And ...
. . .
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Regional bodies urged to step up on Fiji
. . .
Media Release
Regional bodies urged to step up on Fiji: Pacific Freedom Forum
For immediate release: Monday 23 March 2009:
Pacific organizations who rely on media workers to help reach their audiences are urged to speak out for human rights in Fiji and condemn the fear campaign linked to the military regime there.
And it is not just a matter of calling for safety and human rights for journalists, often targeted as partners in development by regional agencies – their own institutional credibility is at stake, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
Escalating attacks against journalists and trade unionists and their families have over the last month took a turn for the worse over the weekend, with unlit home-made fuel bombs shattering the Saturday night sleep for Fiji Times Editor Netani Rika and his family.
“For the Pacific Freedom Forum, as a regional family of journalists working for a better Pacific tomorrow, it’s time to call on other regional ‘families’ to step up and say ‘enough is enough’ against this cowardly campaign of fear,” says Pacific Freedom Forum Chair Susuve Laumaea.
“Regional organizations housed in Fiji cannot defy logic and pretend that human rights violations are not happening on their doorstep,” he says.
Co-Chair Monica Miller says that the very people served by regional organizations includes the Fiji population who, through targeted attacks on high profile ‘dissenters’ “are effectively being bullied, intimidated and waged war on by those who should be protecting them. Against this disturbing frame of events, we applaud and support the efforts of civil society groups who have already spoken out and who value the role of journalists in keeping nations informed. We ask that regional groups such as the Pacific Community and Forum Leaders, the University of the South Pacific, Regional Environmental Program and other regional groups who work with media workers, also voice their concern on what is happening,” says Miller.
“It is time for political and diplomatic correctness to step aside for the will of the people, the real Pacific Way, to take over. Silence about these very open attacks on people who have been trained to be pro-Pacific development advocates, can only be taken to be consent.”
In a Fiji Times editorial after the attack, Rika has noted the anonymity of the attacks is a joke and challenged the regime in government to make its stance public.
The editorial, in full at http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?item=leader, also notes that the source of the attacks is common knowledge, along with the reasons for silence from Fiji’s military regime.
“The common people understand completely the reasons behind the thuggery, why particular targets have been chosen and why the police cannot protect the victims,” the editorial states.
The PFF urges regional organizations to retain their credibility by clarifying to Pacific people where they stand on the continuing human rights abuses happening in the country which reaps the highest benefits from hosting them.
ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
Media Release
Regional bodies urged to step up on Fiji: Pacific Freedom Forum
For immediate release: Monday 23 March 2009:
Pacific organizations who rely on media workers to help reach their audiences are urged to speak out for human rights in Fiji and condemn the fear campaign linked to the military regime there.
And it is not just a matter of calling for safety and human rights for journalists, often targeted as partners in development by regional agencies – their own institutional credibility is at stake, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
Escalating attacks against journalists and trade unionists and their families have over the last month took a turn for the worse over the weekend, with unlit home-made fuel bombs shattering the Saturday night sleep for Fiji Times Editor Netani Rika and his family.
“For the Pacific Freedom Forum, as a regional family of journalists working for a better Pacific tomorrow, it’s time to call on other regional ‘families’ to step up and say ‘enough is enough’ against this cowardly campaign of fear,” says Pacific Freedom Forum Chair Susuve Laumaea.
“Regional organizations housed in Fiji cannot defy logic and pretend that human rights violations are not happening on their doorstep,” he says.
Co-Chair Monica Miller says that the very people served by regional organizations includes the Fiji population who, through targeted attacks on high profile ‘dissenters’ “are effectively being bullied, intimidated and waged war on by those who should be protecting them. Against this disturbing frame of events, we applaud and support the efforts of civil society groups who have already spoken out and who value the role of journalists in keeping nations informed. We ask that regional groups such as the Pacific Community and Forum Leaders, the University of the South Pacific, Regional Environmental Program and other regional groups who work with media workers, also voice their concern on what is happening,” says Miller.
“It is time for political and diplomatic correctness to step aside for the will of the people, the real Pacific Way, to take over. Silence about these very open attacks on people who have been trained to be pro-Pacific development advocates, can only be taken to be consent.”
In a Fiji Times editorial after the attack, Rika has noted the anonymity of the attacks is a joke and challenged the regime in government to make its stance public.
The editorial, in full at http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?item=leader, also notes that the source of the attacks is common knowledge, along with the reasons for silence from Fiji’s military regime.
“The common people understand completely the reasons behind the thuggery, why particular targets have been chosen and why the police cannot protect the victims,” the editorial states.
The PFF urges regional organizations to retain their credibility by clarifying to Pacific people where they stand on the continuing human rights abuses happening in the country which reaps the highest benefits from hosting them.
ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
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Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Pacific Freedom Forum petitions against unconstitutional defamation case
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Media Release
For immediate release: Thursday 5 March 2009 – Attempts by the Justice minister of Timor Leste to push criminal defamation charges against a newspaper publisher will have "chilling effects" on freedoms of speech.
"East Timor has a choice – it can follow other states down a well beaten track towards corruption," states Pacific Freedom Forum interim Chair, Susuve Laumaea.
"Or it can begin a fresh chapter for resource-rich Pacific Islands by encouraging robust news reportage – even critical commentary."
José Antonio Belo is being sued for criminal defamation because of an article he published alleging corruption by the country's Justice minister, Lucia Lobato.
In his article, Belo highlighted a contract between the Justice ministry and that of the minister's husband, for prison repairs and guard uniforms.
The PFF strongly condemns attempts to limit freedoms of speech in any country and has begun a petition online to back up an earlier effort by the Australian Centre for Independent Journalism.
"Freedoms of speech are laid down in concrete terms in East Timor," says co-chair Monica Miller.
"We shouldn't have to remind the democratically elected representatives of Timor Leste about what is set down in black and white in their own constitution – the ruling law of the land."
"There are extensive constitutional protections for freedoms of speech and, unusually, freedom of the press and mass media," says Miller.
"For the government of East Timor to hide behind the same colonial laws used by Indonesia to suppress and intimidate genuine efforts towards democracy ignores blood sacrifice by thousands of their own citizens in support of freedom ."
The PFF statement comes after the criminal defamation case was criticised by media workers and researchers, through the Australian Centre for Independent Journalism.
More than 85 signatures have been sent to East Timor prime minister, Xanana Gusmao from the Sydney based University of Technology.
Pacific Freedom Forum has set up an online petition.
"We urge islands media to show solidarity with their colleague in East Timor by signing the petition and encouraging others to do so as well," says Laumaea.
Adds Miller, "I strongly support the petition and urge all those who believe in media freedom to sign it."
BACKGROUND
Relevant provisions from the Constitution include:
Section 25.1 –Suspension of the exercise of fundamental rights, freedoms and guarantees shall only take place if a state of siege or a state of emergency has been declared as provided for by the Constitution.
Section 40 - Freedom of speech and information
Section 40.1. Every person has the right to freedom of speech and the right to inform and be informed impartially.
Section 40.2. The exercise of freedom of speech and information shall not be limited by any sort of censorship.
Section 40.3. The exercise of rights and freedoms referred to in this Section shall be regulated by law based on the imperative of respect for the Constitution and the dignity of the human person.
Section 41 - Freedom of the press and mass media
Section 41.1. Freedom of the press and other mass media is guaranteed.
Section 41.2. Freedom of the press shall comprise, namely, the freedom of speech and creativity for journalists, the access to information sources, editorial freedom, protection of independence and professional confidentiality, and the right to create newspapers, publications and other means of broadcasting.
Section 41.3. The monopoly on the mass media shall be prohibited.
Section 41.4. The State shall guarantee the freedom and independence of the public mass media from political and economic powers.
LINKS
stop east timor case against jose belo – sign petition!
Journos, media educators rally behind Jose Belo
www.etan.org/etanpdf/pdf2/constfnen.pdf - constitution
Timorese journalist faces criminal libel charge -PM
Justice in East Timor on libel case - Jakarta Globe
East Timor govt urged to drop charges
Justice minister sues East Timor newspaper
ETAN urges dropping of defamation charges
The controversial article in Tempo Semanal
Previous José Belo posting in Café Pacific
news links: Cafe Pacific
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea Sunday Chronicle Newspaper Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 Office: 675-321-7040 Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller KHJ Radio American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 Office 684 633-7793 Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance.
In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
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