A privately owned newspaper, Kele'a, openly criticizes the Government without interference. However, infringements on freedom of the press do occur. The Minister of Police, apparently to inhibit dissent from government views, continued to file civil suits in Magistrates Court against people who allegedly angered public servants. While such suits often are dismissed on appeal, they can be costly for the defendants. In July the Government refused entry to a New Zealand journalist who wished to cover the King s birthday celebration, because his reporting had displeased authorities in the past.
Academic freedom is respected.
The law provides for peaceful assembly and association. There are no significant restrictions. The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government respects this right in practice. Freedom of Movement Within the Country, Foreign Travel, Emigration, and Repatriation Citizens are free to travel anywhere within the Kingdom and abroad. The law places no restrictions on repatriation.