Injunction against Tonga broadcaster due Friday

A hearing into whether the sacked head of Tonga's state broadcaster can continue in her job until a judicial review of the move is heard, will take place on Friday.

Nanise Fifita was dismissed at the beginning of May despite her contract having a right of renewal clause.

The Public Enterprise Minister Poasi Tei and the TBC are now being taken to court.

Fifita's lawyer, Clive William Edwards, said there was no basis for terminating her contract.

“There is no allegation of misconduct, there is no allegation of misfeasance in office.”

“Effectively what we are saying is that she has a right to renew her contract, it has been effectively exercised and the minister now says that sorry he didn't give his approval to this new contract therefore basically he is not going to accept it,” he said.

Fifita's dismissal sparked regional concern over media freedom as it came after comments by the Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva that the TBC was 'an enemy of government' it did not support his work enough.

SOURCE: RNZI