Despite attempts by the Tonga government at re-assurance over new media restrictions, anger is not abating.
Photo: 123RF
The government quietly made public changes that appeared to target media freedom, whistle blowers and anyone not supporting their viewpoint.
The regional media watchdog, Pacific Freedom Forum, referred to the new regulations as "disappointing".
PFF President, Bernadette Carreon , said the regulations were real threats to real media and they posed a real threat to the public's right to know.
The group's Melanesia co-chair, Ofani Eremae, said Tonga's journalists and media workers provided the public with critical information, especially during a pandemic.
"This strategic move by the government is an excuse to clamp down on independent reporting while flying the fake news flag."
One of the longest serving journalists in Tonga, RNZ Pacific correspondent Kalafi Moala, said these concerns were coupled with news the government was planning to bring in additional legislation, the so-called Reputation Act, next month.
"We are very very concerned about that.
"They are tightening things up in terms of legislations, regulations, concerning media. And even though it is targeted, as they say, targeted at social media, targeted at those giving false information, but all of media is going to be hurt by this," Moala said.
RNZ Pacific correspondent, Kalafi Moala Photo: RNZ Pacific
Earlier this week the Chief Executive of the Communications ministry, Paula Ma'u, presented the new regulations as old rules that had had their penalties reduced.
It had said it was focussed on broadcast media.