31 May 2017

Injunction against Tonga broadcaster due Friday

8:33 am on 31 May 2017

A hearing into whether the sacked head of Tonga's state broadcaster can continue in her job until a judicial review of the move is heard, will take place on Friday.

Tonga Broadcasting Commission studios in Fasi

Tonga Broadcasting Commission studios in Fasi Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koro Vaka'uta

Nanise Fifita was dismissed at the beginning of May despite her contract having a right of renewal clause.

The Public Enterprise Minister Poasi Tei and the TBC are now being taken to court.

Nanise Fifita's lawyer William Edwards.

Nanise Fifita's lawyer William Edwards. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koro Vaka'uta

Ms Fifita's lawyer, William Edwards, said there was no basis for terminating her contract.

"There is no allegation of misconduct, there is no allegation of misfeasance in office."

"Effectively what we are saying is that she has a right to renew her contract, it has been effectively exercised and the minister now says that sorry he didn't give his approval to this new contract therefore basically he is not going to accept it," he said.

Ms Fifita's dismissal sparked regional concern over media freedom in Tonga when the prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva said that the TBC was 'an enemy of government' because it did not support his government's work enough.

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