HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The press is lashing back after the Solomon Islands Government reportedly told journalists the manner and extent to which they would be allowed to cover this month’s Constitutional Congress meetings.

Acting through the Constitutional Reform Unit, the Government issued a letter to the press outlining new restrictions and guidelines the media was to follow. Upon receipt of the letter, the Media Association of Solomon Islands met to discuss the possible ramifications of signing the document.

MASI believes that the Government has issued these new restrictions in order to gain control over how actions of the Congress are reported to the public. The media body also condemns these restrictions as a violation of the public’s right to freedom of the press.

John Lamani, MASI’s president, says that the Government’s demands are “unprecedented, outrageous, unacceptable, and naive,” reports Radio New Zealand International.

Mr. Lamani is confident that the press will ignore the Government’s demands. According to Mr. Lamani, signing such a document would give the Government “sweeping powers” over what can and cannot be reported.

MASI has demanded that the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet investigate the situation and call on the Constitutional Reform Unit to take back their demands.

For more information, please see:
Solomon Times Online –  MASI Rejects Constitutional Congress Reporting Restrictions – 18 September 2008

Radio New Zealand International – Solomon Islands media angry at Government attempt to control reporting of Constitutional Congress – 17 September 2008