The Online Safety Commission has received a complaint regarding a video currently circulating which shows a senior government official involved in an altercation at a local establishment.
This comes as a video of Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Sevuloni Naucukidi involved in a fist fight inside a nightclub in Suva has gone viral.
The Commission is reminding the public and media that while the right to freedom of expression and media freedom is protected under the Constitution, these rights are not absolute.
They say they carry responsibilities and are subject to limitations under laws such as the Online Safety Act 2018; specifically, Section 24 makes it a criminal offence to circulate content online that is harmful or likely to cause harm to an individual.
The Commission says the intent behind this legislation is not to restrict legitimate journalism or public interest reporting, but to prevent the misuse of digital platforms to harass, defame, or endanger individuals.
They say the difference between public interest and harmful online conduct must be respected.
They say they are currently working closely with the Fiji Police Force to assess the situation and any individual or corporate entity found to be unlawfully circulating this video may be subject to legal consequences.
The Commission is strongly urging the public and media to refrain from sharing or amplifying the video while investigations are ongoing and adds respect for privacy, due process, and the rule of law must guide our actions.
They say they are committed to upholding both online safety and media freedom, but they also emphasise the importance of responsible content sharing and reporting—especially in cases that may cause reputational or psychological harm.
fijivillage News clarifies that we are highlighting the video of the senior official violently attacking another person.
The senior official holds a public office and people are calling for answers and accountability.
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