The government of Nauru has decided to increase the cost of applying for a journalist visa from $200 to a massive $8000.
The government says it’s simply a fund raising measure but it’s been attacked as a crude attempt to stop journalists visiting Nauru to report on the refugee detention centre.
The 4000% increase has been condemned by almost everyone, including the Nauru opposition MP Mathew Batsiua, the journalists union, the ALP, and the Greens.
Unbelievably, if a reporter’s application is unsuccessful for some reason, the $8000 fee is not refundable.
What is the government of Nauru trying to hide from the international media?
Clearly this government does not believe in the idea of openness and transparency.
Why is the government of Nauru doing the bidding of Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison?
The president of Nauru is Baron Waqa. Perhaps his title should be changed to the minister for censorship.
The director of Nauru's Government Information Office is Joanna Olsson. (or should that be Government Secrecy officer)
More info:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-09/nauru-visa-fee-increase-censorship/5191108
Nauru and Baron Waqa have censored the media before:
What we found on Nauru: Amnesty International: