KIRIBATI: Independent newspaper halts publication for second time

WELLINGTON (Radio NZ International / Pacific Media Watch): The publisher and editor of the Kiribati Independent newspaper believes the government’s move to stop its publications is politically motivated.

Taberannang Korauaba says the Kiribati Independent received instructions from the Ministry of Communications on Friday to cease publications until it has been registered.

Korauaba says the paper received a similar instruction in March, and after filing the required affidavits, it continued publishing due to advice from its lawyer.

But he believes there is a hidden agenda in the ministry’s latest order.

"And I suspect that it might be something to do with some stories that we published recently about the government and some of its private dealings with some business there.”

Taberannang Korauaba says the newspaper’s manager in Kiribati is seeking legal advice on the matter.