Minister to Face Vanuatu Court in Publisher Assault Case

April 6, 2011

Minister to Face Vanuatu Court in Publisher Assault Case

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) in welcoming the initiation of legal proceedings in the case of a brutal assault against Vanuatu Daily Postpublisher Marc Neil-Jones.

Vanuatu’s Government Infrastructure and Public Utilities Minister, Harry Iauko, is set to appear in the Magistrate’s Court in Port Vila on April 7. The court will decide whether charges will be laid over the minister’s alleged role in an assault on Neil-Jones by a group of men at the Daily Post offices on March 4.

Neil-Jones was left shaken and with visible injuries after he was hit on the head from behind, kicked, and throttled by his attackers during the assault, the newspaper reported on March 5.

Iauko allegedly led the group of men into the office and yelled abuse and threats. He also allegedly threatened the newspaper’s editor, Royson Willie, with assault.

“The IFJ welcomes indications that Vanuatu’s authorities are taking steps to observe the rule of law and deal with the case,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“Enacting proper legal procedures is essential in order to send a clear message that intimidation and assaults on journalists and media workers will not be tolerated. This case is a test of Vanuatu’s commitment to uphold the right of media personnel to safety and protection.”

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919