Probe into actions of rogue officers, NZ journos released

Mangroves and the seabed were destroyed near land being illegally developed by Freesoul Real Estate Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd. Picture: newsroom.co.nz/supplied

By WANSOLWARA STAFF

The detention of three New Zealand journalists by police yesterday over claims of criminal trespass was an isolated incident by a small group of rogue officers, with a full investigation expected soon within the force.

The Newsroom journalists, co-editor Mark Jennings, investigations editor Melanie Reid and cameraman Hayden Aull, were taken in for questioning and later released today after controversial developer, Freesoul Real Estate Development, accused them of criminal trespass.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama issued a statement this morning demanding the immediate release of the journalists and condemning the actions of the developer.

It is understood the three journalists tried to interview the developer accused of environmental desecration on Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Group.

“I understand these journalists were present in Fiji to report on the recent charges we’ve brought against Freesoul Real Estate Development. It should be made clear: the news media has been an ally in accountability, helping to expose the company’s illegal environmental destruction,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“While Freesoul is already under investigation for breaches of the Environment Management Act 2005, they have continued to act in ways that demand the highest levels of public scrutiny. I have spoken with the Commissioner for Police who has assured me the detention of these journalists was an isolated incident undertaken by a small group of rogue officers.

“A full investigation into why these officers would use such heavy-handed tactics will be undertaken, and any violations of protocol or undue influence will be met with appropriate action.”

The PM said he would meet the journalists later today together with the Minister for Environment and the Commissioner of Police to apologise for the treatment and personally speak with them about the Fijian Government’s position on the environment, particularly with regards to development.

USP Journalism Programme coordinator Dr Shailendra Singh said the journalists were conducting legitimate work in the country.

“We should be happy that they are taking an interest in this matter and have sent a team down to cover it. It will be to our interest. Their work will supplement the work of local journalists,” Dr Singh said.

“This is how journalism works across borders. This should be understood and the journalists should be freed.”

Meanwhile, Mr Bainimarama said the conduct of Freesoul Real Estate Development had been deeply concerning.

“As both a Fijian who treasures our environment and a global advocate for sustainable development, I share in the public’s outrage. We need to send a strong message to Freesoul Real Estate Development, and other developers looking to cause us harm, that they are not welcome to operate in Fiji –– that message needs to be backed by law to prevent repeat offences from bad-faith developers,” he said.

“That is why we have been considering a law which we will urgently introduce in the next session of Parliament to permanently ban companies that blatantly disregard our environmental laws and protections.”

The PM said they would not tolerate any attempts to violate the historic environmental protections enshrined in the Constitution.

“Protections that we will build upon with meaningful legislation. We will continue to lead from the front on this issue, at home and abroad. We will continue to walk the talk, for the sake of our environment, for the sake of our way of life, and for the sake of all those who come after us,” Mr Bainimarama said.

Freesoul Real Estate Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd had come under fire in recent months for breaching the terms of development set out by the Department of Environment.

It is understood the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had also sanctioned charges against Freesoul Real Estate Development relating to the non-compliance with legislative requirements by the Ministry of Waterways and Environment.