Policing minister orders urgent police crackdown on courthouse security after attack on journalist

The Minister for Policing and Communications, Ioane Naivalurua, has issued a directive for immediate strengthening of police protection for journalists at all court premises following another violent attack on a Fijian media worker.

Mr Naivalurua said the Ministry was deeply concerned by yesterday's assault on journalist Apenisa Waqairadovu, describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of threats and aggression against the media outside Fiji’s courthouses.

“This unacceptable incident follows several previous occasions in which media personnel have been chased, threatened, sworn at, or had their equipment struck or damaged by accused or convicted persons exiting court,” he said.

The Minister delivered a blunt message on the state’s responsibility to protect journalists.

“Let me be very clear: no journalist in Fiji should ever be assaulted, intimidated, or obstructed while lawfully carrying out their work.”

He said police had both a legal and moral duty to ensure the safety of all citizens, including media workers who play a critical role in informing the public and upholding our democracy.

“These repeated lapses in courthouse security, and the failure to anticipate and prevent such incidents, are unacceptable,” he added.

Mr Naivalurua called on the Commissioner of Police to immediately implement a stronger security framework, including:

1. Strengthen police presence and protective measures for journalists outside all court premises.
2. Implement clear and secure crowd-control and prisoner-movement protocols to prevent any physical interaction between offenders and media personnel.
3. Ensure all court escort officers are properly briefed on risk assessment and safeguarding obligations.
4. Hold accountable any officer whose negligence contributes to incidents of this nature.

“Journalists must be able to carry out their work freely, safely, and without fear of harassment, intimidation, or injury,” Mr Naivalurua said.

“A free press is a pillar of good governance, public accountability, and national transparency. When journalists are attacked, it is an attack on Fiji’s democracy and on the public’s right to know.”

He said the Ministry acknowledged the Fiji Media Association’s concerns and agreed the Police Force must elevate its standards of vigilance and operational discipline.

“These incidents must not happen again.”

Mr Naivalurua said the Ministry would ensure the Fiji Police Force takes all necessary steps to safeguard media personnel and restore public confidence in security around courthouse operations.

“The safety of our journalists is non-negotiable,” he said.
“The Ministry will ensure that the Fiji Police Force takes all necessary actions to safeguard media personnel and restore public confidence in security at our courthouses.”