Rabuka disappointed Tikoduadua was arrested and detained for expressing concern about allegations against police

Rabuka disappointed Tikoduadua was arrested and detained for expressing concern about allegations against police

By Naveel Krishant
Wednesday 22/04/2020
Opposition and SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka

Opposition and SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says he is disappointed that a Member of Parliament, NFP's Pio Tikoduadua who has been expressing his concern about allegations on the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies on those who have been apprehended for breach of COVID-19 restrictions, was arrested and detained.

Rabuka says Tikoduadua was performing his duty as an elected Member of Parliament expressing concern about a member of the public from Tailevu North.

Rabuka says while we face an existential threat like the COVID-19 pandemic, and while it is important that we all work together to practice the precautionary measures put in place by the Minister and Permanent Secretary for Health under the Public Health Act, we should not condone excessive use of force by police and draconian measures more suited for hardcore criminals and totalitarian regime-like actions like detaining opposition politicians for expressing concerns on heavy-handed behaviour of Police.

He further says the law allows reasonable use of force to apprehend a suspect.

Rabuka adds that once a suspect is in police custody, it is then up to the Courts, not the Police, to determine guilt and if so, decide on the punishment according to law.

The Opposition Leader also says the law does not authorise police to take out their frustrations on suspects adding excessive use of force cannot be justified on the basis that Fiji faces a public health emergency.

Rabuka says all such reports must be investigated by the Fiji Police.

He adds, unfortunately, the Office of the Ombudsman whose remit included investigation of such allegations, has been removed.

Rabuka says he would also like to encourage government and those in authority to step up the public health messaging on COVID-19 precautionary measures so that everyone is informed, and feels like they have a stake in sacrificing time with their friends and family, so they willingly make the sacrifices required to halt the spread of this deadly virus.

He further says he has issued this advice for public awareness in all vernacular languages since January.

The Opposition Leader says as a people we are very social in our habits and way of life and we all must be fully informed on the reasons why we need to protect each other by practicing physical distancing, limiting social gatherings and respecting the curfew from 8pm to 5am daily.

He adds the people will only understand if Government prioritises sending representatives to each village and community to explain this public health message, and broadcast these critical health messages on radio and television.

Meanwhile, Tikoduadua has been released from Police custody and the investigation file has been sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

FEATURE NEWS
Naduvalo double helps Fiji win Singapore 7s
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side has won the HSBC Singapore 7s after beating Kenya 21-12 in the final thanks to a double by speedster Vuiviaw...
10 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
13-year-old boy still in PICU,another in ICU after Nausori accident
A 13-year-old boy remains admitted at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, while another 13-year-old is in the Intensive Care Unit. Director of ...
50 minutes ago

Electoral Law Reform Commission to look at 5% threshold
The Electoral Law Reform Commission will be looking at the requirement of five percent threshold to get into the Parliament. Chair and former ...
2 hours ago

Embrace the teachings of the Ramayan - Prem Adarsh Ramayan Mandali
We should embrace the teachings of Lord Ram and the Ramayan that will benefit our lives. Preacher of Laqere Prem Adarsh Ramayan Mandali, Ishwar ...
16 hours ago

Quick action by NFA saves lives as fire breaks out in Nabua restaurant
A fire broke out at the Aosen Restaurant in Nabua this afternoon, however, quick action by the National Fire Authority saved lives. The owner of ...
17 hours ago

Argentina crowned World SVNS Series league winners after qualifying for semi finals in Singapore
Argentina have made history yet again after being crowned the 2024/2025 HSBC World SVNS Series league champions following their HSBC Singapore 7s ...
21 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
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
4 days ago

Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
39 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
40 days ago

TOP