Global Voices Online

Heavy police presence accompanied the launching of Fiji's Draft People's Charter, which among other things will reform the country's electoral system. It is also alleged that villagers were paid to attend the launching.

Going against the advice of the military council, Fiji leader Frank Bainimarama refuses to step down. Raw Fiji news also reported that the leader was disturbed by the resignation of his coup-hero Musharaff in Pakistan.

Methodist Church leaders have forgiven the military rulers of Fiji, as reported by Raw Fiji News. The military is asked to initiate a process that will restore democratic elections in Fiji.

A Fiji Times reporter was detained by police for writing about an article which offended a government minsiter. Soli Vakasama from Fiji notes how eight tough policemen apprehended a journalist armed with only a pen.

Wendy of Babasiga is attending Fijian Conference in Adelaide, Australia and blogs about the experiences there. “The conference discussions and sessions were in various styles – academic, story telling, humorous or serious, and passionate preaching.”

Failedparadise carries a round-up of Fijian blogosphere with links to notable posts from the last two weeks.

A day after the interim PM speech on guaranteeing Fiji media freedom, Mr. Evan Hannah, the managing director of the Fiji Times was detained and confirmed to have deported out of country. AuCorp, solivakasama, Babasiga and McKenzie have their says.

Babasiga is surprised to discover that goats in Labasa are originally imported from South Africa. He also shares his experience on family goat farming.