ACT Party leader David Seymour is calling on the Government to send a "stern warning to Nauru that millions in foreign aid will be cut if it does not respect basic human rights".
His comments come after TVNZ's Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver was detained for three hours yesterday. Government officials had revoked her media accreditation for the Pacific Island Forum after she was spotted interviewing a refugee. But today her media credentials were returned.
The I NEWS Pacific correspondent was detained by police on Nauru on September 4 during the Pacific Island Forum.
"A free press is a critical part of a democratic society and no state should interfere with journalists doing their jobs," Mr Seymour said.
"New Zealand taxpayers will provide about $10.5 million in foreign aid to Nauru over the next three years."
He said New Zealanders should not have to "hand over millions of dollars just so the authoritarian government in Nauru can more effectively suppress liberties".
"If authorities in Nauru cannot uphold basic human rights, the New Zealand Government must seriously consider cutting its foreign aid."
Mr Seymour is the sole MP and leader of the minor party ACT New Zealand.
SHARE ME