The Fijian Media Association (FMA) is once again raising serious alarm over the safety of journalists after an FBC reporter was violently attacked outside the Suva courtroom by a convicted murderer, the latest in a string of incidents highlighting what the association calls a persistent failure by Police to secure court premises.

FBC journalist Apenisa Waqairadovu suffered injuries to his arms and hands after he was assaulted by Sairusi Cinaturaga, who had just been convicted of murdering his partner’s one-year-old child.

Despite being in handcuffs, Cinaturaga managed to run after Waqairadovu, hurl threats and profanity, before pushing him down a staircase.

A Police officer was reportedly trailing behind the convict by “a metre or two” and was unable to prevent the attack.

The FMA says this incident is not isolated, and that it underscores a worrying trend of inadequate Police response to threats faced by journalists performing their duties outside the courtroom.

“This has been happening too often, and we do not see any improved process despite our repeated calls for stronger security and protection,” the FMA stated.

The association highlighted a similar incident in August, when another convicted murderer, Tevita Kapawale, attempted to attack journalists outside the courthouse.

“Journalists have faced physical threats every year while covering court cases, and the Fiji Police Force’s repeated failure to provide adequate security for media personnel is unacceptable,” the statement said.

The FMA stressed that journalists play a vital role in upholding transparency and accountability within Fiji’s justice system, and must be able to operate without fear of violence or intimidation.

Once again, the association is urging Police to immediately implement proper security protocols, including:

• Establishing secure perimeters during prisoner transport;
• Increasing Police presence around court exits and high-risk cases;
• Ensuring offenders are properly supervised when moving through public areas.

“The safety of journalists is non-negotiable. The police must do better,” the FMA said, adding that reporters cover court proceedings to inform the public and uphold the rule of law.

The association also appealed to the public to recognise the essential role journalists play in documenting how justice is administered in Fiji.

The FMA says it is now critical for the Fiji Police Force to review and strengthen its security operations at the courthouse to prevent further attacks.