3 January 2007

Violence Against Civil Society Leaders In Fiji Is Sickening

There is no excuse for the use of violence against the six civil society leaders who had spoken out for a return to democracy in Fiji, according to Rae Julian, Executive Director of the Council for International Development (CID). Ms Julian was responding to today’s statement by Commodore Bainimarama that he made no apology for their treatment.

“This deplorable behaviour occurred just before Christmas, a time when the focus should be on peace and goodwill. All six, both women and men, were interrogated and beaten, merely for having the courage to speak out in support of their beliefs.”

“They were unarmed, offering no resistance yet they were treated as if they were violent criminals resisting arrest. Most were then forced to walk for 10 kilometres to dismantle their banners. This could be seen as a form of torture.”

The military commander should realise that such actions only serve to increase opposition to the coup. If he believes that his actions are right he should not be afraid to answer those who criticise him, rather than attempting to silence them through violence and intimidation. Calls for restoration of human rights and introduction of true democracy cannot be stifled in this way. They may become less overt but their messages will still spread easily in this electronic age.

Civil society organisations in many parts of the world will be appalled at this treatment of their colleagues who are treated brutally for exercising freedom of speech. CID stands by their partner organisations and calls for the immediate restoration of the basic principles of human rights in Fiji.

ENDS

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