Steven Ratuva: Repression not the answer to Fiji s political dilemma
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Repression not the answer to Fiji s political dilemma
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The political tussle amid a worsening Covid-19 crisis continues in Fiji.
Former prime ministers, opposition leaders and indigenous rights advocates have been taken in for questioning by police about their criticism of the government s plan to amend the Land Bill No 17.
Photo: Fiji govt
Police say they have noticed an increase in the number of hate speeches and threats of unrest being made on social media about the proposed changes to the Bill.
Those detained included the leader of the opposition Social Democratic Liberal Party Bill Gavoka, Sodelpa MPS - opposition whip Lynda Tabuya, Adi Litia Qionibaravi and Ro Filipe Tuisawau; Biman Prasad the leader of the National Federation Party; NFP president Pio Tikoduadua; former prime ministers Sitiveni Rabuka and Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube.
The arrest of nine Fijian opposition politicians, including party leaders and two former prime ministers, once again exposes Fijian democracy’s fragility. The intimidation doesn’t bode well for the parliamentary elections due next year (or early 2023).
The political crisis has been overshadowed by Fiji’s COVID-19 crisis, which has seen more than 25,000 infections and over 100 deaths since April. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama even used a COVID analogy when he called those arrested “super-spreaders of lies”.
While no charges have been laid, the nine are accused of inciting unrest by opposing a government bill to change the management of iTaukei (indigenous) land rights.