Fiji Times did not follow procedures – State counsel

Editorial procedures were not followed.
 
That is part of the submission highlighted by Acting Solicitor General Sharvada Sharma in the contempt proceedings case against The Fiji Times and Oceania Football Confederation secretary general Tai Nicholas.

This is based on an article published last November.

The comments by Nicholas were published in the Sunday Star Times in New Zealand and a day later were reprinted by Fiji Times.

During his submission, Sharma said journalists only read the first three paragraphs from the website and thought the story was of local interest and passed it on to the Sports editor.

He said there was a failure to follow procedures.

Meanwhile, Queens Counsel representing Fiji Times Julian Miles said the story was in the Sports page and this will not be taken seriously by Fiji Times readers as it was a mistake on Nicholas’ part.

Miles said this will not be taken seriously by Fiji Times readers.

Miles said the system that was set by the general manager of Fiji Times in fact was carried out by the editorial team and on very rare occasions where the Fiji Times has gotten into trouble, neither the editor Fred Wesley nor its publisher Brian O’Flaherty were involved in the decision making process.

The ruling will be made on notice.


Story by: Tokasa Rainima