Rabuka: Stop blaming journalists for doing their job

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has condemned members of the public who blamed a journalist for being attacked by a convicted murderer outside the courthouse this week.

Mr Rabuka said yesterday that journalists deserved a safe working environment and criticism directed at the victim was unjustified.

“I think that’s uncalled for,” he told reporters outside Parliament.

“You (journalists) have a duty, you have a job to do. And like every other employee, you must have a safe environment to conduct your business.”

FBC journalist Apenisa Waqairadovu was attacked on Monday by Sairusi Ceinaturaga, who had just been convicted of murdering his de facto partner’s one-year-old child.

Ceinaturaga, in handcuffs, broke away from police supervision and chased Mr Waqairadovu down courthouse stairs, causing injuries to his arms and hands.

Following the incident, some members of the public posted negative comments on social media suggesting the journalist was at fault for being too close with his camera.

Mr Rabuka acknowledged the incident was “embarrassing” and welcomed the strong statement issued by Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua calling for increased police vigilance.

The Prime Minister said police must balance protecting the rights of accused and convicted persons with safeguarding the public and media personnel.

“While protecting the rights of the accused and the convicted, we must also be vigilant in protecting the rights of the public, particularly media personnel who come close to people who are central in judicial business functions,” Mr Rabuka said.

He suggested police may need to maintain safe distances between convicted or accused persons and the public to prevent future incidents.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj