23 Jun 2008

Editor of the Fiji Times expresses renewed concern over Human Rights Commission

11:05 am on 23 June 2008

The editor of the Fiji Times, Netani Rika, says he wasn't surprised by what the Fiji Human Rights Commission said in a report into the deportation to two newspaper publishers .

The FHRC claims there were no breaches of human rights in the deportation of Australians, Russell Hunter and Evan Hannah.

It also went onto say the deportations were long overdue.

The report stemmed from a complaint made to the Ombudsman, Dr Shaista Shameem, by former Opposition Leader Mick Beddoes.

Mr Rika says he was not approached by the Commission for his view on what took place in the lead up to Evan Hannan's deportation.

He also has questions about the role of the Ombudsman.

"I'm deeply concerned that someone who must administer matters concerning the rights of people in this country has such an obvious leaning toward a particular political party and to the government."