Pacific

Vanuatu cabinet minister accused of again trying to intimidate media

19:59 pm on 29 August 2011

The Media Association of Vanuatu says the minister of Ni-Vanuatu Business, Pastor Don Ken is again trying to intimidate journalists for reporting on his allegedly public drunkenness.

Pastor Ken was arrested at the end of last month and faces charges of abusive language, obstruction, and drunk and disorderly behaviour.

There'd been reports at the time of the offences he'd tried to discourage the public broadcaster from carrying the story on his behaviour and now the Media Association's president, Evelyne Toa, says he's been abusive towards the media for a second time.

She says at the weekend Pastor Ken allegedly intimidated a paper seller before stealing a newspaper off him.

"The Independent newspaper ran an article about him on the front page about all the charges laid against him following his recent arrest by the police."

Evelyne Toa says the Media Association can't accept such behaviour and says Pastor Don Ken has to be held responsible for his actions.