Hunter deported,Reasons unknown

There is still no word on why Fiji Sun Publisher and Managing Director Russel Hunter was deported from Fiji earlier this morning.

It has been almost three hours since Hunter left the country however no official announcement is forthcoming.

Immigration Director, Viliame Naupoto is currently in a meeting and could not be reached for comments.

When we contacted the Interim Defense Minister, Ratu Epeli Ganilau this morning, he said he is unaware of Hunter's whereabouts. However, Ratu Epeli said he will conduct the checks and comment after the cabinet meeting today.

Our reporter, Gulsher Ali who was at the Nadi International Airport confirms that Hunter was on the flight FJ911 to Sydney which departed Nadi at about 9 o’clock this morning.

Hunter was taken in for questioning last night and Hunter's whereabouts could not be established by his family and staff until about 8 o’clock this morning.

Village News has received confirmation that Hunter was taken in at about 8:30 last night by some immigration officers. Fiji Sun Editor, Leone Cabenatabua confirmed to Village News that Hunter was at his home at Ragg Avenue with his wife and visiting daughter when about seven people arrived at their home to talk to Hunter.

Cabenatabua said two of the people in the group said that they were Immigration officers and wanted to see his passport. After finding out that all his travel documents were in order, Hunter who is an Australian was taken in for questioning.

It has been confirmed that Hunter still had 18 months remaining under his current work permit. Cabenatabua and Hunter's family found out this morning that Russel Hunter was listed on a Sydney flight from the Nadi International Airport at 9am.

Cabenatabua said Hunter's family were really worried as they did not know his whereabouts and were shocked to hear that his name was listed for a flight to Australia.