Stop Government Violence Against Journalists in the Pacific Islands

• Target: International Community Concerned About Freedom of the Press
• Sponsored by: Pasifika Media Association

Early in March 2011, the publisher of the Vanuatu Daily Post was attacked in his office by a government minister, Mr. Harry Iauko, and a gang of thugs who severely assaulted the publisher in retaliation for a story that had been printed in the Post. Minister Iauko was angry about a story published in the Post detailing allegations of Iauko's corruption made by Transparency International.Violence against journalists is nothing new in Pasifika; recent detentions and beatings in Fiji are among the incidents that journalists must deal with while trying to bring public awareness to the important issues that their nations face.

Pasifika Media Association (PasiMA) is the professional association of Pasifika's independent media owners, operators and principals. We advocate for media freedom and freedom of speech in the region, from Hawaii to Aotearoa (New Zealand), and from Rapa Nui to West Papua.

Please sign the petition today urging Vanuatu Prime MInister Sato Kilman to vigorously pursue legal action against Mr. Iauko and his gang of thugs, and to immediately suspend Harry Iauko from all Ministerial and Parliamentary duties and responsibilities pending the final outcome of the police investigation.  SOURCE