8 Mar 2017

PFF calls for Fiji re-think on sedition

From , 4:03 pm on 8 March 2017

The Pacific media watchdog, the Pacific Freedom Forum, is encouraging the Fiji prosecution office to pull back from charging staff at the Fiji Times with sedition.

The paper's publisher, Hanks Arts, the Times editor, Fred Wesley, the editor of Nai Lalakai Anare Ravula and columnist Josaia Waqabaca were charged in August of last year with inciting.

This came after an article in Nai Lalakai by Mr Waqabac accused Muslims of invading foreign lands, and killing, raping and abusing women and children.

The Fiji prosecutor's office is considering a more serious charge of sedition but the PFF's Jason Brown says this is not needed.

He spoke with Don Wiseman who asked him about the current charges the four people face.

The Fiji Times headquarters on Victoria Parade, Suva

The Fiji Times headquarters on Victoria Parade, Suva Photo: RNZI / Sally Round