No Fijian journalist has been imprisoned  in the past 10 years, says the Fijian Media  Association (FMA).

A recent report from Reporters Without Borders (RSB) claimed that journalists who were critical of the Government have been intimidated and imprisoned since 2006.

The RSB ranked Fiji as the worst country to practise journalism in the Pacific region in its 2022 ranking system.

Fiji was ranked 102 from the 180 countries assessed for media freedom.

Association general secretary Stanley Simpson said the association did not endorse any report it has not participated in.

“No imprisonment of journalists has happened in the last decade although there have been instances of journalists being questioned over their reports and cases of media organisations and editors being taken to court,” he said.

“But agrees with certain statements within the RSB report, particularly on the threat of legislation such as the MIDA Act to criminalise and impose heavy fines on media organisations or editors.

“While we are under various pressures the Fijian media remains bold and thriving and committed to fulfil its role.”

He added intimidations do occur from various sides of the political divide – both Government and Opposition, however, the report was not correct about journalists being imprisoned.

Attorney-General and Minister for Communications, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said there were prominent news organisations that have headlined inaccurate and distorted stories, but have not been punished for it.

“They write these things with so much impunity.”

“They really do not care for the truth,” he said.

He also said that despite the Government giving facts and objecting statements, there was still inaccurate reporting by news outlets in the country and abroad.

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