Police Halt Crisis Centre's Peace Campaign

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SUVA: Police dealt a major blow to the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre's peace campaign by cancelling its permit to hold a peace rally at Suva's central Sukuna Park today, the Sunday Post reports.

In a statement yesterday, FWCC's Edwina Kotoisuva said the permit was granted by the District Officer in Suva but was revoked by the Interim Home Affairs Minister, Ratu Talemo Ratakele, on Friday.

Shamima Ali, the centre's coordinator said on Monday at the launching of the "We need rainbows not rambos" campaign that they were happy to finally be given the go-ahead after having several permits rejected since May.

She said restrictions on activities at the rally included not being able to voice any political opinions.

At midday yesterday the centre issued a statement saying they had been informed of the cancellation late on Friday evening.

"We understand that members of the public who were interested in working towards genuine peace and reconciliation in Fiji may be disappointed and we apologise for this, but the situation is beyond our control," Ms Kotoisuva said.

Police spokesperson Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police Sera Bernard said the permit was cancelled for "national security reasons".

+++niuswire

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