FMA again calls for greater security after FBC journalist violently attacked outside courtroom by an accused

The Fijian Media Association is once again strongly demanding that Police be more vigilant in managing security and threats outside the courthouse after another Fijian journalist, Apenisa Waqairadovu was violently attacked by a convicted murderer coming out of the courtroom.

This has occurred despite repeated questions being asked for the Fiji Police Force to have proper protocols when escorting accused persons.

In the past, accused persons have run after journalists and photographers, hit the mobile phone off journalist's hands, threatened and sworn at media workers - all in the presence of police officers who are not acting with urgency, and not surrounding the accused persons in a secure manner.

This time, Waqairadovu from FBC suffered injuries to his arms and hands after he was attacked by Sairusi Ceinaturaga, who has just been convicted of murdering the 1 year old child of his defacto partner.

After his conviction, Ceinaturaga walked out of the courtroom in handcuffs, followed a metre or two behind by a Police officer who was outrun and scrambled to catch up when Ceinaturaga chased the journalist.

Ceinaturaga threatened Waqairadovu, swore and ran after him before pushing him down the stairs.

FMA says this has been happening too often to journalists outside the courtroom, and we do not see any improved process despite our repeated calls for stronger security and protection.

The Association says it has been consistently calling for urgent action from police to protect media workers - even after another convicted murderer Tevita Kapawale tried to attack journalists outside the courthouse in August.

The questions have also been raised a few times with the Commissioner of Police.

The FMA says journalists have faced physical threats every year while covering court cases, and the Fiji Police Force’s repeated failure to provide adequate security for media personnel is unacceptable.

Again, as the FMA did in August, it is urging the Fiji Police Force to immediately implement proper security protocols for court proceedings, including secure perimeters during prisoner transport and adequate police presence to protect journalists from violent offenders.

The FMA says police must do better and relook at how they provide security at the courthouse.

In the past officers would surround the accused person and escort him out, not let them just walk out with officers strolling at the back.

In this case the journalist kept their distance but was still chased down and attacked and this is totally unacceptable.

The FMA says reporters cover court stories in order to inform the public and to ensure that justice is served under the law.