Pacific media in action.
Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Previously it was reporting on governments or politics that brought trouble for Tonga’s journalists – now it’s reporting on drugs or gangs.
Tongan journalists are coming to terms with new pressures on media freedom over reporting on the country’s drug crisis, and the role of gangs in it.
This comes after a journalist at Kele’a Publications was threatened at gunpoint in Nuku’alofa, following reporting on drugs issues two weeks ago – the same week as World Press Freedom Day.
While Tonga police are still searching for the suspect who threatened a journalist, the manager of the Kele’a Publications said police should do more to protect the press.
According to Teisa Cokanasiga, journalist freedoms were usually tested by previous governments when reporting on the police; but the current situation is different and represented a new type of challenge for Tonga’s media.
“The threat was regarding reports that we did about drugs and a specific gang member who is currently serving life in prison. So now we are aware that we have that kind of threat.
“In terms of freedom of the press, to report on political issues and controversial issues concerning the leadership in the country. I think we are fine with that.”
Cokanasiga said there needed to be more awareness around this kind of threat as it can happen to any member of Tonga’s media.
“It’s just disheartening. And we are now aware that we can get that kind of challenge or risk, not only, I mean, from the public as well.”
For now, Cokanasiga said her team was supporting the journalist, and also being cautious while continuing daily duties.
“We’ve been trying to be, you know, be encourging of each other and at the same time give them space, especially the concerning journalist, and for her to slowly get back to working.”
Attack on Tongan’s constitutional rights
The Media Association of Tonga (MAT) said the incident as an assault not only on the safety of an individual journalist but on the constitutional right of every Tongan to receive information without fear or favor.
MAT’s President, Katalina Uili Tohi, said a climate of fear and intimidation targeting media personnel undermined democratic principles and silenced the very voices that hold power to account.
She said journalists must be able to work without the threat of violence or death.
Meanwhile, the co-chair of the Pacific Freedom Forum, Lepailetai Tosi Tupua has commended the courage and professionalism of the journalist and her colleagues and their swift reporting to police.
He said they awaited the outcomes of a thorough and impartial Police investigation into this incident, ensuring public safety and including safety on the job for all media workers reporting these matters.
Police are yet to arrest anyone, but Cokanasiga said they remained in regular contact with both her and the journalist.
