Fiji’s Minister for Policing and Communications, Ioane Naivalurua, has announced immediate measures to enhance security across all courthouse premises following a violent attack on journalist Apenisa Waqaidrovu outside a courthouse on Monday. The Minister condemned the incident, labeling it as “unacceptable” and emphasizing the serious threat it poses to democracy.
Naivalurua pointed out that this attack reflects a troubling pattern in which media personnel are often subjected to intimidation during court coverage. He highlighted instances of journalists facing harassment, including being chased, verbally abused, and having their equipment damaged by individuals leaving the courts.
“This unacceptable incident follows several previous occasions in which media personnel have faced harassment,” he stated. Naivalurua insisted that no journalist in Fiji should suffer from violence or intimidation while carrying out their responsibilities. He stressed the Fiji Police Force’s legal and moral obligation to protect media workers, while also criticizing ongoing security deficiencies within courthouses.
The Minister has directed the Commissioner of Police to take immediate action, which includes increasing police presence around court facilities, improving crowd-control and prisoner movement protocols to reduce contact between offenders and journalists, ensuring escort officers are aware of potential risks, and making sure officers are held accountable for any failures leading to violent incidents.
Naivalurua emphasized that journalist safety is critical, asserting that attacks on the media compromise the public’s right to information. He reiterated the essential role of a free press in promoting good governance and public accountability, stating, “A free press is a pillar of good governance, public accountability, and national transparency. When journalists are attacked, it is an attack on Fiji’s democracy and on the public’s right to know.”
Additionally, the Ministry expressed its solidarity with the Fiji Media Association (FMA), echoing their calls for enhanced police standards and discipline. The Ministry acknowledges the gravity of the reported incidents and is committed to preventing their recurrence.
In conclusion, Naivalurua urged police leadership to effectively tackle security challenges facing journalists. He affirmed, “The safety of our journalists is non-negotiable. The Ministry will ensure that the Fiji Police Force undertakes all necessary actions to protect media personnel and restore public confidence in security at our court facilities.”