The Interim Minister for Defence and Immigration stresses that Fiji Times Publisher Evan Hannah's actions were breaching national security in the country and that is why he was deported.

In a statement this afternoon Ratu Epeli Ganilau said Hannah has been removed from Fiji based on Section 13(2) of the Immigration Act relating to Prohibited Immigrants and it was done according to law, in a humanly manner and it is not a special case of removal.

Section 13(2) of the Immigrations Act states that a person who prior to or after entry into the Fiji Islands, as a result of information received from any country, through official or diplomatic channels, or from any other source that the Minister considers as reliable, is deemed by the Minister to be a person who is or has been conducting himself in a manner prejudicial to the peace, defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, security or good governance of Fiji.

Ratu Epeli confirmed that the Removal Order and Detention Warrant against Hannah was signed by his Permanent Secretary Malakai Tadulala on Thursday and it was served at his home and no force was used in this case.

He said Hannah was escorted from home with courtesy and in a cordial manner. He said he was also accorded the right to make phone calls up to a certain time and his removal will not have any immigration implications on his family.

The Interim Immigration Minister said based on credible evidence and advise furnished to him, Hannah's actions were breaching national security of the country.

Ratu Epeli Ganilau stressed that the security interests of the sovereign state of Fiji at this point in time are of paramount importance. He said Hannah was previously cautioned of the implications of his actions however he chose to ignore this.

According to Ratu Epeli the High court order has not been officially received by the Director of Immigration who must sight the order before Officials can act on it.

The Interim Minister also said they would like to reassure the owners and investors of the Fiji Times that the actions which the department has taken is not in any way meant to undermine their investment and operations here.

Meanwhile speaking to Fijivillage Immigration Director Commander Villiame Naupoto said his officers were only executing their role as required under the laws of Fiji.