The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) in welcoming progress in the brutal assault of Vanuatu Daily Post publisher Marc Neil-Jones.
Vanuatu’s Government Infrastructure and Public Utilities Minister, Harry Iauko, and eight others are set to appear in the Port Vila Magistrate’s Court on June 10 facing charges related to the assault on Neil-Jones by a group of men at the Daily Post offices on March 4.
During the assault Neil-Jones was hit on the head from behind, kicked, and throttled by his attackers during the assault, leaving him shaken and with visible injuries.
The charges relate to unlawful assembly, unlawful entry, intentional assault and threatening gestures, according to reports. If the criminal case against Iauko succeeds, the minister may also face charges under Vanuatu's Leadership Code Act which calls for national leaders to observe the law, and follow fundamental principles of leadership contained in Article 66 of the Constitution.
“Although there have been some delays, the IFJ is encouraged to see progress in this case,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.
“Journalists in Vanuatu and across the Pacific must know that the justice system will come to their aid if they are the victims of attacks, so they can be confident to report the news without fear or favour.”
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries
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