Reporter detained on Nauru, released
AUCKLAND: Television reporter Barbara Dreaver has been released by Nauru authorities after being detained earlier yesterday.
Ms Dreaver was interviewing a refugee outside a restaurant when Nauru police showed up and told her she was breaching her visa conditions.
Ms Dreaver said she was held in an interview room for three hours before being released.
‘‘My visa is still in place, however my Pacific Islands Forum accreditation has been revoked.
‘‘As far as I’m concerned, I’m doing my job.
‘‘However, I’m really grateful I’m still able to report on the Pacific Islands Forum.
‘‘Even though I can’t use the media centre or go to any of the press conferences, or so forth, I can report on forum issues.’’
The 1 News reporter said as far as she was aware she had not done anything wrong.
‘‘I was under the impression and know we were allowed to talk to refugees. It shows things are a wee bit sensitive here. In fact, a lot sensitive.’’
Nauru is home to an Australian detention centre that houses more than 900 refugees and asylum seekers.
A Nauru Government spokesman said Ms Dreaver was not detained by police but accompanied them voluntarily while they made further inquiries.
‘‘No journalist on Nauru has been prevented from talking to any person, including refugees.’’
Journalists on Nauru were required to follow procedures set by the Government, including on conducting stories outside of the Pacific Island Forum.
The spokesman said no restrictions were put in place on who they could talk to on the island.
‘‘However, this journalist did not follow procedures, and this potentially risked the safety and security of herself and others.’’
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will fly to Nauru today to attend the forum, and has spoken to officials about the situation.