AUCKLAND (Radio New Zealand International / Pacific Media Watch): A media non-government organisation in Fiji says there needs to be more clarity about the role of institutions like the Media Industry Development Authority.
Last week, the chairman of MIDA, Ashwin Raj, said the airing of a speech by Ratu Timoci Vesikula was against the 2009 Media Industry Development Decree as it constituted hate speech.
There are jail terms and large fines for breaching the decree.
The executive director of Fiji Media Watch, Agatha Ferei, said the authority needed to clarify who the members of the tribunal were and whether Raj had overreached his authority.
"And also the processes that they are taking or have taken to determine issues like hate speech. At the same time the chairperson may need to also exercise responsibility in understanding that his role is that of the authority, and that it should be treated differently from the role of the tribunal."
- Agatha Ferei.
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Pacific Media Watch
