NGOs claim self censorship by newspapers

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has raised concerns on freedom of expression in Fiji following claims that the major local newspapers were unable to print a paid advertisement which raised certain questions on the constitution review process.

This is in relation to a press statement released about three weeks ago which was covered extensively by Fijivillage about the women’s NGOs raising concern about the makeup and appointment of the members of the Constituent Assembly, immunity, the non-negotiable principles and claiming that there is an environment that restricts full participation and debate in a constitution making process.

Shamima Ali now said with the media outlets not running their statement, the media is not free.