Violence not tolerated in Fiji - PM

Violence not tolerated in Fiji - PM

By Vijay Narayan
28/10/2016
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while speaking at the Regional Workshop On The UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment Or Punishment [Photo: Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum]

Violence in any form has no place in Fiji.

Those are the words of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while speaking at the Regional Workshop On The UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment Or Punishment.

Bainimarama has stressed that there is no act of torture in Fiji that has been sanctioned by the state.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Bainimarama says that there have been isolated instances in Fiji of individuals or groups from the disciplined forces acting in an undisciplined way and resorting to acts of torture and other forms of punishment that violate the human rights of their fellow citizens.

He says the same conduct has occurred from time to time in the law enforcement agencies of larger democracies, including Australia and New Zealand.

The Prime Minister says that while they can never be condoned, whatever the setting, the difference in Fiji’s case is that such events have been politicised.

Bainimarama says Fiji is being singled out for condemnation, for behaviour that also occurs in the jurisdictions of Fiji’s critics.

He also made it clear that the law enforcement agencies are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Bainimarama also spoke about the recent case of alleged police brutality in Navua and the case regarding the late Vilikesa Soko which is now before the courts.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Bainimarama says we have long had a culture in Fiji of people resorting to violence whether it is against women in the home, instilling discipline in our children or the police attempting to extract confessions from criminal suspects.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

While speaking at the regional workshop, Bainimarama also raised the issue that the standard bearer for democracy, the United States of America, has resorted to torture, with the standard objective of protecting itself against a determined and ruthless enemy.

He says while the practice has now been banned by Presidential order, the CIA has admitted using waterboarding against captured terrorist suspects.

Bainimarama also highlighted that Australia is detaining asylum seekers in cruel, inhumane or degrading circumstances in detention centres in Nauru and Manus Island to protect the integrity of its borders.

FEATURE NEWS
Compain asks how cleaning contract for CWM Hospital was re-awarded under a different company name despite the same shareholders
The President of International Women's Association Fiji, Judy Compain has formally written to the Ministry of Health and the Government Tender Board a...
12 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
TLTB reduces national rental arrears to $22 million
The iTaukei Land Trust Board has successfully reduced its national rental arrears from $31.6 million as of 1st January, 2025 to $22 million by 30th ...
9 hours ago

Two man arrested over alleged yaqona thefts in Taveuni
A 35-year-old man and a 36-year-old man remain in police custody for their alleged involvement in a series of yaqona thefts in Taveuni. Acting ...
11 hours ago

Ro Teimumu, Ratu Wiliame and Ratu Etonia leave for installation of Tui Nayau and Tui Lau
Burebasaga confederacy paramount chief Ro Teimumu Kepa, former President and Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Tui Levuka Ratu Etonia Seru ...
11 hours ago

Man arrested at Lakeba jetty for alleged possession of marijuana
A man has been arrested today at the Lakeba Jetty after he was allegedly found in possession of illicit drugs, specifically a bag containing dried ...
12 hours ago

5 charged in Laucala Beach aggravated burglary case
Three men and two juveniles have been charged by the Southern Division Task Force for their alleged involvement in an aggravated burglary at a ...
14 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
CFL 40th Birthday
CFL’s 40th Anniversary celebrations to culminate with free concert at Albert Park on ...
2 days ago

Pacific Mini Games in Palau, 2025
Full coverage of Team Fiji's journey through the 2025 Palau Games.
4 days ago

Kamikamica, Biukoto and Shandil on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica, Vodafone Fiji's CEO Elenoa Biukoto and Consumer Council of Fiji CEO ...
4 days ago

TOP