Mediation needed in Timor media law - PFF

 

Timor-Leste President Taur Matan Ruak ... media law rejected by Court of Appeal. again. Photo / IFEX

NEWS RELEASE:

Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Saturday 21st December 2014

Government in Timor-Leste should seek mediation on the country's controversial media law, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.

A Court of Appeal rejected the law a second time as unconstitutional earlier this month.

"Authorities in Dili ignored concerns from international media, and human rights organisations, about the media law," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

"Now they have had those concerns confirmed, again, by the country's highest court."

The law had been rejected by the supreme court earlier.

However, government sacked all foreign judges and officers after a resolution in parliament called for an "audit" of the court system.

When the appeal court president declared the sackings illegal, the government ordered their deportation within 48 hours.

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller said the latest court decision, by local judges, shows that Timor-Leste retains a strong desire for rule of law, despite deportation of foreign judiciary.

"Government officials in Timor-Leste may want to look into regional trends towards formal mediation to resolve conflict over the media law."

"Strong differences over the media law also show the need for an independent regional voice on media issues."

PFF is campaigning for a Pacific media ombudsman to back up national self-regulation, handle complaints and hear media freedom concerns.

PFF also notes that Timor Lest is a signatory to the ADB / OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative

for Asia and the Pacific, which specifically refers to media freedoms.

LINKS

Court of Appeal again declares media law unconstitutional
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/timor-leste-court-appeal-again-declares-media-law-unconstitutional-9089

ETAN statement on Rule of Law in Timor-Leste
http://mediaforfreedom.com/readarticle.php?AID=18751

Original article (in Tetum):

Dala round tan, Law KOMSOS Court Deklara Inkonstitusional, PN La Simu, Judge Internasional Asina Akordaun
http://suara-timor-lorosae.com/dala-ida-tan-lei-komsos-tribunal-deklara-inkonstitusional-pn-la-simu-juiz-internasional-asina-akordaun/

Earlier articles:

Victims' rights and independence of judiciary threatened by arbitrary removal of judicial officers
http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA57/003/2014/en

ADB / OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific
http://www.oecd.org/site/adboecdanti-corruptioninitiative/meetingsandconferences/35021642.pdf

La'o Hamutuk appeals to president to veto new media law
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/timor-leste-lao-hamutuk-appeals-president-veto-new-media-law-8639

East Timor passes tough laws to muzzle media
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/east-timor-passes-tough-laws-to-muzzle-media/story-e6frg6so-1226907912130#

RSF 'information hero' fights new media law
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/timor-leste-rsf-information-hero-fights-new-media-law-8613

Timor journalists fight repressive new media laws
http://www.smh.com.au/world/timor-journalists-fight-repressive-new-media-laws-20140305-hvga2.html

Tough Filipino media cyber law echoed in Pacific
http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2014/05/tough-filipino-media-cyber-law-echoed-in-pacific/

E-libel laws the new front line in Pacific battle for press freedom
http://theconversation.com/e-libel-laws-the-new-front-line-in-pacific-battle-for-press-freedom-25611

PFF / TIMOR

Veto the new media law, says PFF
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2014/06/veto-new-media-law-in-timor-pff.html

Pacific Freedom Forum petitions against unconstitutional defamation case
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2009/03/pacific-freedom-forum-petitions-against.html

CONTACTS:

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | Freelance Journalist | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com

PFF 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.

. . .

Best wishes from PFF for 2015

 

 

- from the pacific freedom forum

 

To all our colleagues across the world's biggest ocean, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Thank you for spending time with our news releases, and media freedom advocacy during 2014.

For 2015, we wish you a confident, well informed and independent new year.

. . .

Pacific ocean photo / International Space Station
Meme words / memegenerator.net

. . .

Fiji TV restructuring needs independent review–PFF

Departure of Fiji TV CEO Tevita Gonelevu and Head of Content Tanya Waqanika was part of “standard practice” taken during restructuring of organisations, according to comments from the station’s board. 

Photo / MaiLife


PFF, Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS
Wednesday, 17th December 2014 -

The departure of two leading executives from Fiji TV is raising concerns at the Pacific Freedom Forum about more interference in the country's media.

"Fiji TV is controlled by a public company and the reasons for their departure should be properly made public," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

"It is curious that the chief executive officer was only hired a little over a year ago, and has gone already."
Fiji TV CEO Tevita Gonelevu previously acted as Company Secretary for Fiji Holdings Limited, with controlling shares owned by a mixture of provincial, chiefly and landowner shareholders, among others.

No reasons were given for his departure, or that of Head of Content Tanya Waqanika. FHL Chief Executive and Fiji TV board member Nouzab Fareed confirmed the departures, describing them as a "standard approach" in restructuring a company.

Some media however reported the pair lost their jobs because of controversy over the loss of exclusive rights to world rugby broadcasts, with supporters claiming there was nothing they could do after a law change earlier this year.

PFF-Co Chair Monica Miller said the departure raised "further concerns" about continued impacts on the integrity of Fiji TV.

"Earlier restructuring moves have seen the departure of key staff, to the point now where the head of news has to take over."

"Are the public, whom FHL represents, getting the information they need?"

PFF is calling on FHL and Fiji TV to put impacts from the restructuring to an independent review, including delivery of news and information over airwaves that are a public asset.


LINKS

Major changes made at Fiji TV
http://www.mailife.com.fj/major-changes-made-at-fiji-tv/

Fiji TV boss removed, Smith is acting CEO
http://fijilive.com/news/2014/12/fiji-tv-boss-removed-smith-is-acting-ceo/60015/

Major changes within Fiji Television senior management
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=289298

New appointees at Fiji TV
http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/25343/new-appointees-at-fiji-tv

Poor performance, 7s saga lead to termination of two Fiji TV executives
http://fijisun.com.fj/2014/12/17/poor-performance-7s-saga-lead-to-termination-of-two-fiji-tv-executives/


CONTACTS

PFF CHAIR | Titi Gabi | PNGEdge.com | Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, PNG | Mob: +675 70686875 |titi.gabipng@gmail.com

PFF CO-CHAIR | Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | Pago Pago, America Samoa | Mob: +684 258 4197 | Office: +684 633 7793 |monica@southseasbroadcasting.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.
. . .

Full investigation needed into Papua protest deaths - PFF

 

The latest deaths of as many as six protestors in West Papua has prompted alarmed headlines from high profile media worldwide, as seen in this Time story above.

 

PFF, Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS
Thursday, 11th December 2014 

 

Indonesia must investigate the shooting deaths of five peaceful protestors in West Papua, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.

A sixth protestor is reported to have died the next day.

"Yet again, Indonesia has failed to provide proper security for its citizens," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

"Jakarta must now make up for that failure by mounting a full and independent investigation, as called for by the Papua Peace Network."

PFF is supporting calls from the network coordinator, Rev. Neles Tebay, for President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to send investigators from the capital, Jakarta.

The protestors were shot dead at a public protest that arose after police beat a 12 year boy who had been objecting to what was said to be an army truck driving through Enarotali, in the Paniai district, at night with its lights off.

Those deaths on 8th December were just two days before International Human Rights Day on 10th December. Shootings were criticised by a wide range of human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and, in Indonesia, NGO Imparsial.

PFF supports calls from Imparsial for the President to ensure freedom of speech and expression and to resolve human rights cases in the region.  

"Peaceful protest is a fundamental human right," says PFF co-Chair Monica Miller, speaking from American Samoa.

"This latest incident confirms the need for Jakarta to stop trampling the rights of its own citizens and take firm action to halt further bloodshed."

PFF is also calling on regional media to pay more attention to human rights abuses in its own backyard.

 

LINKS

Five shot dead in Papua incident
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/261284/five-shot-dead-in-papua-incident

Papua Remains a Killing Field Even Under New Indonesian President Jokowi
http://time.com/3627122/indonesia-papua-jokowi-human-rights/

Indonesian Army Kills Five Civilians as West Papua Independence Campaign Strengthens
https://news.vice.com/article/indonesian-army-kills-five-civilians-as-west-papua-independence-campaign-strengthens

Jokowi urged to establish independent team to investigate Enarotali tragedy
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/12/10/jokowi-urged-establish-independent-team-investigate-enarotali-tragedy.html

United front on West Papua
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=288765

West Papua deaths: Jokowi to 'follow up' shooting
http://www.theage.com.au/world/west-papua-deaths-jokowi-to-follow-up-shooting-20141210-123y3d.html

Govt urged to stop using excessive force in Papua
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/12/10/govt-urged-stop-using-excessive-force-papua.html

We didn't shoot West Papuans, say Indonesian police, military
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/we-didnt-shoot-west-papuans-say-indonesian-police-military-20141210-124hdi.html

West Papua killings cast doubt on Jokowi's promises
http://www.lowyinterpreter.org/post/2014/12/10/West-Papuan-killings-cast-doubt-on-Jokowis-promises.aspx

 

 

CONTACTS

PFF CHAIR | Titi Gabi | PNGEdge.com | Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, PNG | Mob: +675 70686875 | titi.gabipng@gmail.com

PFF CO-CHAIR | Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | Pago Pago, America Samoa | Mob: +684 258 4197 | Office: +684 633 7793 | monica@southseasbroadcasting.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.

 

. . .

Survey shows support for media ombudsman

Survey lead author Dr Ian Weber, left, with members of the United Nations Development Programme, and the University of the South Pacific, November 2013. Photo / USP

PFF, Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS Tuesday, 9th December 2014 -

Recommendations from a regional survey to proceed with a regional media ombudsman are being backed by the Pacific Freedom Forum.
"PFF welcomes the release of the survey," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.
"This shows that a majority of media in the survey support the idea of greater media self-regulation."
The survey was called for by the Pacific Freedom Forum after raising the idea of a Pacific Media Ombudsman in May last year.
The survey was funded by two United Nations organisations and led by Dr Ian Weber, a former journalism lecturer at the University of the South Pacific.
PFF co-Chair Monica Miller says the survey release is an opportune time to push for greater professionalism and formal media accountability systems.
"News media no longer need to act as the lone guardian of freedoms of speech," she says.
"With widespread use of the internet, we can join other professions in regulating our own affairs, including handling complaints outside court systems", says Miller.
The 46 page survey recommends that further input be sought from all 14 countries included in the report as a first step towards greater self-regulation.
Funding and support came from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, and the United Nations Development Programme.
LINKS
2014: Optimal conditions for Effective Regional Media Self-Regulation in the Pacific Islands (survey)http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/42463193
2013: Pacific Freedom Forum say there is good support for a Pacific Media Ombudsman http://www.pacmas.org/blog-post/pacific-freedom-forum-say-there-is-good-support-for-a-pacific-media-ombudsman/

Pacific media ombudsman aimed at instilling confidence
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2554348/pacific-media-ombudsman-aimed-at-instilling-confidence

 

Ombudsman bid for Pacific media credibility, says advocatehttp://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/region-ombudsman-role-seeks-pacific-media-credibility-says-advocate-8298

Pacific Media organisations agree to a Pacific Media Ombudsman http://www.pacmas.org/blog-post/pacific-media-organisations-agree-to-a-pacific-media-ombudsman/

Pacific Media ombudsman advances regional accountabilityhttp://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2013/05/pacific-media-ombudsman-advances.html

CONTACTS
PFF CHAIR | Titi Gabi | PNGEdge.com | Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, PNG | Mob: +675 70686875 |titi.gabipng@gmail.com
PFF CO-CHAIR | Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | Pago Pago, America Samoa | Mob: +684 258 4197 | Office: +684 633 7793 |monica@southseasbroadcasting.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.
. . .