The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) today denounced an interdiction on a Radio Journalist from covering a farewell gathering hosted for the visiting New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister last Thursday.
The SIBC reporter was assigned to record a statement by Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister, when he was suddenly told to pack up and leave prior to the event.MASI President, George Herming said the people of Solomon Islands are entitled to hear any statement from government ministers whenever they speak on important occasions such as the visit of the New Zealand Foreign Minister.
He said such treatment on journalists' amounts to blocking the people of Solomon Islands from listening to "important statements by our own Minister of Foreign Affairs."
Mr Herming called on responsible authorities to explain to the public why SIBC was excluded while reporters from other media organizations were allowed to cover the event.
He said MASI is concerned that such treatment will only harm the warm relations between the government, diplomatic missions and the mainstream media.
MASI is the body mandated to speak out and defend the media and the right of Solomon Islanders to be informed.
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