VANUATU: PINA speaks out over assault on publisher
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Item: 7314
SUVA: The Fiji-based Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) has called on everyone in Vanuatu, including leaders, to use the law rather than resort to physical violence to solve problems.
This follows an assault on the Vanuatu Daily Post publisher, Mark Neil-Jones, allegedly orchestrated by public works minister, Harry Iauko.
PINA’s president, Moses Stevens, who is himself from Vanuatu, says it is the second time Neil-Jones has been attacked, and he says it brings the safety and security of journalists into question.
He says that the attack allegedly involved a member of cabinet is nothing short of a disgrace for the government and particularly the prime minister, Sato Kilman, who is the minister responsible for the media.
“We want the prime minister to uphold the spirit of democracy, to deal with his minister appropriately, in order to uphold democracy with regards to media freedom.”
Moses Stevens says it is alleged the attack on Neil-Jones was the result of biased reporting and he has called for journalists to ensure balance in their stories. - Radio NZ International/Pacific Media Watch
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