Fijian photojournalist dies from injuries sustained during 2006 attack
The International Federation of Journalists expresses condolences following the death of Fijian photojournalist, Sitiveni Moce, on Friday November 13, 2015. The IFJ calls on the Fijian authorities to investigate the attack in 2006 and bring those responsible to justice.
Sitiveni Moce, a photojournalist with the Fiji Times and Fiji Sun died from injuries sustained in the line of work as he covered the semi-civilian coup in Suva in 2000 and then again during the December 2006 coup. According to reports, Moce was beaten and attacked by rebel supporters in the 2000 coup and then during the 2006 coup, he was confronted as he tried to take pictures of soldiers escorting a person from the Methodist Church in Suva. Moce said he was manhandled and taken to a military camp where he was detained and questioned for over an hour.
Moce never fully recovered from injuries to his back and in 2013 he was left paralyzed and bedridden. In September, Moce was discharged from the Tamavua Rehabilitation Hospital to be with his family. He is survived by his wife Mili and son.
On Wednesday, November 18, local media held a soli (wake) for Moce and then visited his wife and son.
The IFJ joins the Fijian media community in expressing condolences to Moce’s family, colleagues and friends.