The National Federation Party says the detention of three Islands Business magazine journalists for alleged Public Order Act offences is deeply concerning.
Party’s President, Pio Tikoduadua says Islands Business magazine posted a story last week suggesting that the employment contract of Magistrate Andrew See had ended.
Magistrate See had ruled in favor of the ATS workers last month in the Employment Relations Tribunal.
Tikoduadua says the journalists were told by Police that they were suspected of maliciously fabricating information or spreading false news reports to create public alarm.
He says they do not know if the story is wrong but how could a news story about a Magistrate’s appointment cause public alarm.
Tikoduadua says if a news media report is wrong, then there are legal remedies available against the publisher and he or she should not be detained and investigated for a crime.
NFP’s President adds that a week ago, the Attorney General said that he wanted to regulate social media because he had stated that people should not post pictures of a man and a woman sitting together after they have married other people.
Tikoduadua says the government wants to control everything they say and all the information they receive.
Meanwhile, Police Spokesperson, Ana Naisoro says the Force does not respond to political statements.
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