PFF – Defamation case in Palau seen as ‘knee-jerk’ response and threat to transparency

4 Nov 2024– The Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF, is concerned that a defamation suit taken by the Palau’s largest private sector employer against the national newspaper, Island Times, will threaten public trust in media and private sector transparency. 

A civil suit of defamation has been lodged on October 29 by Surangel and Sons Co. against Ms. Leilani Reklai, publisher of Island Times, over a report in the Times covering the early responses to leaked taxation documents of the company. 

“Any journalists coming across official documents already circulating and directing public conversations would only be doing their jobs in looking into these issues, and reporting it, ” said PFF Chair Robert Iroga, of the Solomon Islands. 

“The PFF stands with our Palau colleagues in commitment to the principles of free expression and the vital role of the media in a democratic society, and we hope that those who have brought this defamation action understand that across the world, many governments have decriminalised these outdated laws because of the censorship and fear they represent.” 

Iroga noted the leading position of Palau in the PFF’s state of media freedom report launched in Niue in September 2024, and urges those behind the defamation suit to reconsider their action.

Of all the Pacific nations covered by the survey, Palau media were the most active in responding to the questions. As well, the Palau Constitution echoes this commitment to freedom of expression, recognizing it as a fundamental right essential for the functioning of a democratic society, he said. 

“We believe in the intention of the constitution, that a well-informed citizenry is paramount to responsible governance, and it is the media’s duty to investigate and report on matters of public interest, including those related to taxation and corporate accountability,” said Iroga. 

The PFF and other global media organisations support the United Nations position on defamation laws and whistleblowing, advocating for legal frameworks that protect journalists and whistleblowers rather than punish them, he said.

—ENDS