The Media Industry Development Authority Chairman, Ashwin Raj has raised concern on why the two academics from the University of the South Pacific Journalism Program did not find and confirm the facts from MIDA before making a series of allegations about freedom in Fiji.
Raj said USP Journalism academics Patrick Craddock and Doctor Matthew Thompson were alleging that the Fijian Government continues to intimidate journalists in the lead up to the general election and have also made serious allegations of torture and intimidation used by the Fiji Military Forces to ensure that there is no civil disorder.
Raj said that on the accusation that the military is using torture and intimidation to silence journalists, with just a little over two months before the general election, are absolutely without any foundation.
Raj further stated that the political situation in Fiji maybe less than ideal but a lot has been achieved since 2006 and we must move beyond the tireless debate between legality and legitimacy raised by the two academics from USP.
On the registration of Islands Business Magazine Editor, Samisoni Pareti and the non-issuance of accreditation for the Pacific Islands Development Forum, Raj says a quick call to MIDA office would have confirmed that he was registered with MIDA.
Meanwhile USP Academic Patrick Craddock said that they were just responding to a news articles and did not need to verify the information.
Craddock also commented on The Age newspaper article about the Army Commander saying it was just a response on what he had said.
Craddock said the release does not have to be approved by USP as it is not a university release.
He said they made comments as independent academics.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
