The deported Fiji Times Publisher Rex Gardner said he still does not know why he was deported from Fiji and believes that his paper has been challenging the Interim Regime.

The Australian reports that after landing at the Sydney airport, Gardner told reporters that he assumes the deportation is linked to the High court case.

When asked by reporters whether Fiji Times has antagonised the Interim Regime, Gardner said that Fiji Times had been doing its job like other major newspapers, they challenge authority and a military regime is up for challenge.

He said the Interim Government came to power through the barrel of a gun, and not through the ballot box.

Gardner left the country yesterday after being served with deportation papers.