Fijian media are facing huge pressure from the government of Commodore Frank Bainimarama. The constitution was suspended after the supreme court ruled on 9 April that the military-backed regime had taken power illegally.

Foreign journalists, including ABC’s award-winning correspondent Sean Dorney, have been expelled from the country, and domestic outlets are under surveillance, with government agents stationed in offices watching all communications.

The Public Emergency Regulations 2009, in force since the constitution was suspended, states:

– [A]ny broadcaster or publisher upon direction by the Permanent Secretary for Information must submit to him or her all material for broadcast or publication material before broadcast or publication.

– Any person or entity which fails in any way whatsoever to comply with the provisions of this section may be ordered by the Commissioner of Police or Officer Commanding upon advice from the Permanent Secretary for Information to cease all activities and operations.

You can read the 9 April Supreme Court decision exclusively here