The detention of Newsroom journalists by Fijian Authorities was unacceptable, National’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Todd McClay says.
“Freedom of the media is a fundamental principle of democracy and journalists must be free to tell important stories and ask important questions.
“New Zealand has committed more than $60 million of development assistance and aid to Fiji over the next three years. New Zealand expects Fiji to respect the fundamental freedoms of democracy.
“Mark Jennings, Melanie Reid and cameraman Hayden Aull should not have been arrested. Through their actions Fiji is putting at risk its improving relationship with New Zealand.
“The Government must warn Fiji that these actions are not acceptable and demand that journalists must be free to do their job.”
