Fiji Times Publisher Evan Hannah, deported from Fiji yesterday via a Korean Air flight has strongly criticised the Interim Government.
According to ABC News, Hannah told waiting media at the airport that his expulsion was just another attempt at intimidation by the military regime.
Hannah said the Interim Government persists in the concept that a publisher directs editorial content and makes decisions about editorial content, which does not happen.
He added that it was a big mistake saying that the Fiji Times newsroom is a solid newsroom and won't be moved by these actions.
Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith has told ABC News that Fiji's treatment of Hannah deserves nothing but condemnation. Smith said Hannah's treatment also attacks one's human rights and freedom of speech.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said Hannah's deportation is not conducive to Fiji holding free and fair elections.
Clark said the military regime clearly does not place a high value on freedom of the press as the action against Hannah has coincided with World Media Freedom Day today.
