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The removal from Fiji of Mr. Evan Hannah, the Publisher of the Fiji Times this morning has already generated significant attention, both locally and abroad. As such, I as Minister responsible for Defence, National Security and Immigration, am duty-bound to give relevant details which led to his removal; - Mr. Evan David Hannah, Publisher of the Fiji Times, has been removed, from Fiji based on Section 13(2) (g) of the Immigration Act, 2003, relating to Prohibited Immigrants. It was done according to law, in a humanly manner and it is not a special case of Removal. - Under Section 13 (2) (g), it 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 the Fiji Islands. - The Permanent Secretary is empowered under Section 15(1) of the Immigration Act, 2003, to make a written Order directing a prohibited immigrant to leave the Fiji Islands and remain out of the Fiji Islands either indefinitely or for a period specified in the Order. - It is further stated under the Subsection 2 of Section 15, that the Order takes effect on the date of the service. - Also under Subsection 3 of Section 15, it states that the order must be carried into effect in such a manner as the Permanent Secretary directs in writing including removal of the person by use of a reasonable force if necessary. - Given this legal framework, the Removal Order and the Detention Warrant was signed by the Permanent Secretary of Defence and National Security, Mr. Malakai Tadulala on Thursday 1/5/08 with my approval and concurrence. - Mr. Hannah was served with the Removal Order and Detention Warrant by the Immigration Officers on Thursday evening at his home and no force was used in this case. Mr. Hannah was escorted from home with courtesy and in a cordial manner. He was also accorded the right to make phone calls up to a certain time. His removal will not have any immigration implications on the status of his family. - It is important for me to explain briefly the offences which Mr. Hannah committed in this instance. Based on credible evidence and advise furnished to me, Mr. Hannah’s actions were breaching national security of the country. This is not a special case for the removal of Mr. Hannah. There have been people removed from Fiji in the same way as Mr. Hannah, including Mr. Russel Hunter, the Editor of the Fiji Sun who was deported recently by the Department of Immigration. The security interests of the Sovereign State of Fiji at this point in time are of paramount importance. Mr. Hannah was previously cautioned of the implications of his actions. He, however, chose to ignore this. I would like to take the opportunity to reassure the owners and investors of Fiji Times that the actions which the Department has taken in this instance is not in any way meant to undermine their investment and operations here. The Fiji Times has been on our shores for close to 140 years. The Government and the people of Fiji greatly appreciate and value their presence and contributions to the Fiji economy. COURT ORDER - Court Order issued by the High Court, had not been officially received by the Director of Immigration before Mr. Hannah was removed from Fiji this morning. - Court Order needs to be sighted first by the Director of Immigration before officials can act on it. I trust the explanation I have provided will help alleviate the concerns out there on the actions which the Department of Immigration has taken against Mr. Hannah this morning. -End- |
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