PFF welcomes Nauru release of detained journo

News that Nauru Police have released New Zealand journalist Barbara Dreaver from detention has been welcomed by regional media watchdog body PFF, the Pacific Freedom Forum.

Dreaver, the Pacific correspondent for One News TV was detained while speaking with a refugee living in the community, at a local cafe this afternoon Tuesday 4th September.

She’s since been released.

"We thank all involved for their prompt work in ensuring the release of Ms Dreaver, an experienced, award winning Pacific journalist, and ask that Nauru reconsider its current restrictions relating to all journalists in the country,” says PFF Chair Monica Miller of American Samoa.

"Journalism is not a crime - and serving the public interest should be well understood by our leaders.”

“We are aware that many journalists visiting Nauru this week for the Forum events, have taken the government at its word that they are free to report on and talk to refugees in the community. Yet, the restrictions of their visa are already a detriment to freely thinking about the important issues around refugees in the Pacific. We urge Nauru to accept that a free and mature democracy has to be built on free and mature media. Do away with prohibitive visa fees, and encourage an open and mature engagement with media.”--ENDS

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