Minister concerned by Tongan media restriction
Minister concerned by Tongan media restriction
Acting Foreign Minister Marian Hobbs has expressed concern that Tonga's Legislative Assembly has amended the Tongan Constitution to restrict the freedom of the media.
"As a staunch supporter of media freedom, New Zealand is concerned at media restrictions wherever they might be enacted," Marian Hobbs said. "The amendment to the Tongan Constitution restricts the freedom of the press relating to the rights of others, cultural traditions, public law and order, national security and morality."
Marian Hobbs doubted if this was the end of the matter, however.
"It's likely today's
decision will be appealed," Marian Hobbs said, "and some
3000-4000 people marched in Nuku'alofa last week in protest
at the proposed bill. Protest marches are not an everyday
event in Tonga so there is clearly considerable oposition
to the change passed by the Legislative
Assembly."