They were removed on the basis of credible evidence that they conducted themselves in a manner that was deemed prejudicial to national security.

The Interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau highlighted this, at the Melanesian Spear Head Group Meeting in Vanuatu, regarding the deportation of Fiji Sun Publisher Russel Hunter and Fiji Time Publisher Evan Hannah.

However, Nailatikau added that the Interim Government has and always will uphold the freedom of the Media and the freedom of expression.

He said that the Interim Government had not at any stage planned to gag the media.

Nailatikau added that the due process of the law pertaining to Hunter and Hannah's removal was strictly followed adding that the Court Order issued by the High Court intended to stop the two's removal, was not received by the Director of Immigration or any staff of the Department on the day of their departure and it had to be sighted by them to be effective.

He added as this did not happen, the Immigration Officials had no other legal obligation but to execute removal proceedings.

He is joined by Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and other government members at the meeting in Vanuatu.