Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama confirms that a full investigation will be conducted into the case of the rogue Police officers who had taken the three New Zealand journalists in for questioning.
In an urgent parliamentary statement, Bainimarama made it clear that the news media has been an ally in accountability, helping to expose Freesoul Real Estate Development’s illegal environmental destruction in Malolo.
Bainimarama says he was informed that the three journalists from New Zealand had been detained by the Police for questioning. Upon learning of this situation, Bainimarama says the Fijian Government immediately demanded their release.
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He says he understands these journalists were present in Fiji to report on the recent charges Fiji has brought against Freesoul Real Estate Development.
The Prime Minister says he has held discussions with the Police Commissioner and he has been told that the three NZ journalists were taken in by rogue officers, and a full investigation will be conducted.
Bainimarama says while Freesoul is already under investigation for breaches of the Environment Management Act of 2005, they have continued to act in ways that demand the highest levels of public scrutiny.
Bainimarama together with Minister for Environment Doctor Mahendra Reddy and Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho met with the three NZ journalists earlier yesterday and apologised for the treatment they have received and Bainimarama personally spoke with them about Fiji’s position on the environment, particularly with regards to development.
Bainimarama together with Minister for Environment Doctor Mahendra Reddy and Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho met with the three NZ journalists earlier yesterday and apologised for the treatment they have received and Bainimarama personally spoke with them about Fiji’s position on the environment, particularly with regards to development.
The Prime Minister stresses that the Fijian people can be assured, the government will not tolerate any attempts to violate the historic environmental protections enshrined in our Constitution, protections that the government will build upon with meaningful legislation. He says we will continue to lead from the front on this issue, at home and abroad.
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