The Fijian Media Association is calling for answers and expresses deep concern about the issue of journalists from various media outlets being blocked from covering the court appearance of the 5 police officers charged with assault and extortion in Nasinu.
According to reports from journalists at the courthouse, media personnel were prevented from entering the courtroom under the pretext of a juvenile case being in session.
The FMA executives say blocking media access to proceedings of such significant public interest undermines the very principles of open justice and erodes trust in the impartiality of our legal and law enforcement institutions.
They call on the Judiciary, the Chief Registrar, and the Fiji Police Force to immediately explain the circumstances surrounding the media lockdown and the apparent preferential treatment afforded to the accused officers.
The Editors stress that the public has a right to know why this occurred and whether due process was followed.
It is also reported that the accused officers were escorted through a side door not typically used by members of the public or other accused persons.
In addition, it is alleged that a police officer deliberately locked the courtroom door to prevent media access.
The FMA says these actions represent a serious breach of transparency and public accountability.
The Editors say the Courts are public institutions, and justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
The FMA reminds all stakeholders that our duty is to report without fear or favour, and the press must be allowed to perform its public interest function without obstruction or intimidation.
They will be formally writing to the Chief Registrar and Commissioner of Police to request a full explanation and to urge that measures be put in place to prevent this from happening again.
