The Fiji Performing Rights Association (FPRA) has commended the work by the Fiji Police Force in enforcing copyright laws.

FPRA director and musician Seru Serevi said more work was needed to allow musicians and entertainers benefit from their original productions.

Mr Serevi’s comment came after the Fiji Police Force raided two DVD shops last week for illegally reproducing and selling the Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquio fight.

“We are thankful that the Fiji Police Force is doing that, but we need more of that not only on DVDs, how about the music? It’s being done around Fiji and we want them to approach it holistically and not only these DVDs,” Mr Serevi said.

“What about the individual artists who are struggling daily to put bread and butter on the table? We are facing the same issues too. We believe that the present legislation is good to make successful prosecutions. “For artists like us, we are not asking for any favour, but we are just asking that the people mandated to uphold the law did their bit,” he said.

Meanwhile, Police chief of operations Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rusiate Tudravu said more than 60 DVD copies of the fight was seized during the raid.

“The Police are serious about the enforcement of Fiji’s copyright laws. Those involved in this illegal activity are being asked to refrain from doing so as enforcement will continue to come down on those who sell and distribute copyrighted materials.

“Of particular concern is that of the illegal reproduction and sale of works by local artists. We must be mindful that these are the hard work put in by local artists and is their source of income,” ACP Tudravu said.

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