MASI condemns legal threat against Island Sun Newspaper by Solomon Airlines
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has condemned the threat of legal action against Island Sun by the Solomon Islands Airlines.
In a statement issued today, MASI interim President Deli Oso said MASI takes the warning of legal action which the Solomon Airlines CEO Captain Brett Gebers and his cohorts issued against the Island Sun to stop reporting on the national carrier’s woes as an attack on press freedom and deplores it in the strongest term.
Mrs Oso said Mr Gebers and his cohorts ought to be reminded that Solomon Airlines is a State-owned Enterprise and moreover, it is a provider of public transport service and therefore its affairs will be of intense public interest.
She said the media plays a crucial role in ensuring the free flow of information in order to enable the public to make informed decisions on issues that impact on their lives and the woes of the Solomon Airlines, including the mechanical problems with its aircrafts are no exception.
She meanwhile, encouraged the Island Sun not to succumb to the undue legal threat by the Solomon Airlines CEO and his cohorts.
Mrs Oso said the fact that the Island Sun newspaper has evidence supporting its reports on the airlines’ woes, it should not fear any threats of legal action.
“I encourage the Island Sun to stand up to those who think they can resort to the act of intimidation to suppress the publication of issues of public interest.
“Truth is the ultimate defense to any claim of defamation or libel so stand your ground,” she added.
–MASI PRESS
