19 Jun 2020

Media banned from entering USP in Fiji

1:37 pm on 19 June 2020

Journalists have been barred from entering the University of the South Pacific in Fiji today as the full council meets to resolve an impasse at the regional institution.

USP's Suva campus

USP's Suva campus Photo: wikicommons

The council is expected to discuss the controversial suspension of Vice-chancellor Pal Ahluwalia last week by the Executive Committee over alleged misconduct.

Hundreds of USP students, faculty and staff had been protesting the suspension and called for the removal of the Executive Committee led by pro-Chancellor Winston Thompson.

The FBC reported journalists arrived at the USP gates this morning only to be told by security guards the media was banned from entering the Laucala campus.

Even the university's official newspaper, Wansolwara, was told it was not allowed near the meeting venue.

Today's meeting is also expected to discuss a motion by Samoa who had earlier called for Mr Thompson to step down.