Fiji Coup: Insurrection leader slams media ban

Insurrection leader slams media ban

LEADER OF FIJI'S HOSTAGES SITUATION NOT HAPPY WITH PRESIDENT'S DIRECTIVE TO BAN MEDIA

George Speight told a news conference that he cannot understand why the President had made the directive.

He said he learnt from the police and the security people that the international press and local press were being restricted to a barrier approximately one kilometre away from the parliamentary comple

x"Upon inquiring as to where those instructions came from, I was told they emanated out of the office of the 'former' President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara," he said.

"I reiterate, with a greatest of respect, that if Ratu Mara believes his position is in the best interest of the indigenous people of Fiji, why is he restricting the international press to capture this news and dispel them widely?"

"I can't understand his reasoning for restricting you (media) in trying to prevent the flow of information, and to prevent you from capturing exactly what is taking place here," Speight told the journalists.

Speight said he discussed the media ban with police officers guarding the area and encouraged them to give free access to all the journalists.

Security forces in Fiji yesterday advised journalists gathered outside the Parliamentary complex to cover the hostage crisis to move their television and photographic cameras a kilometre from the complex. The journalists have also been advised that they cannot take photos of film the parliamentary complex from a plane or helicopter.

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