State Proceedings Amendment Decree comes into effect

A new State Proceedings Amendment Decree has come in force from last night which provides that no media organization can be held liable for publication of statements, whether verbal or written, made by the Prime Minister or any Minister of Government, whether in their official or personal capacity.

A government statement said the decree is consistent with the Parliamentary Privilege as was applicable in Fiji and which is applicable in countries throughout the Commonwealth.

However this goes further by protecting media organizations.

The government said the law is intended to facilitate open and frank discussions between the government, the public and stakeholders in the lead up to Fiji’s parliamentary elections.

The decree will expire upon the date when a new parliament is convened which will have its usual privileges for statements made by parliamentarians.

Parliamentary privilege is a legal immunity enjoyed by members of certain legislatures, in which legislators are granted protection against civil or criminal liability for actions done or statements made related to one’s duties as a legislator.

It is common in countries whose constitutions are based on the Westminster system.

A similar mechanism is known as parliamentary immunity.

This allows members to speak freely during ordinary parliamentary proceedings without fear of legal action on the grounds of slander or contempt of court. We will have more on the decree later today.  


Story by: Vijay Narayan