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In Fiji criticism of a proposed law that will increase police powers is growing with the New Zealand government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also in the firing line.
The draft bill would allow police officers to seize computers, smartphones and other devices without a warrant and the penalties for non-compliance include lengthy jail terms.
After it was released last week, groups like the NGO Coalition on Human Rights and opposition political parties have described the bill as draconian .
There has also been criticism from outside Fiji, with Amnesty International describing the proposed police powers as excessive.
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A Tamil refugee injured in a car crash on Nauru last week has been flown to Australia for medical treatment, advocates say.
The 36-year-old man was hit by a car from behind and suffered injuries to his left arm, back, shoulder, leg and hip.
After spending a week in hospital on Nauru, he was flown to Sydney on Saturday morning, where he is now being treated in intensive care.
The incident is now being investigated by Nauru police, who declined to comment.
Australia s Tamil community have expressed grave concern for the man s wellbeing.
Thanush Selverasa, who spent many years in immigration centres on Manus island and now lives in Sydney, said the incident was very upsetting.
Former Vanuatu prime minister Charlot Salwai.
Photo: Hilaire Bule
Former Vanuatu PM avoids jail time
A former Vanuatu prime minister has been given a suspended jail sentence for perjury.
Justice Andre Wiltens said Salwai had no previous conviction and sentenced him to two years and three months but suspended the sentence.
He said Salwai provided untrue information through his sworn statement to mislead the supreme court of Vanuatu.
But he added that Salwai contributed a lot to the national development of Vanuatu, occupied various ministerial portfolios, and an MP for 18 years.
Justice Wiltens said Salwai is also respected by chiefs, churches and communities.
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