Media Release
The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) is concerned at the arrest and detention of people by the police and military, and at the inability of Fiji’s public to be informed about these, due to heavy media censorship.
“The current caretaker government has extended the imposition of the State of Emergency regulations for another 30 days. The continuing arbitrary arrests and detention of civilians by the police and military for questioning is a worrying trend. We fear that this may become worse,” CCF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rev Akuila Yabaki said.
The first arrests took place after the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution on April 10 2009, when President of Fiji Law Society Mr Dorsami Naidu and a Fiji TV journalist Mr Edwin Nand were arrested and detained. In the weeks to follow, a politician Iliesa Duvuloco was detained. Two journalists were arrested on May 9 and released after two days. Rumour has it that currently, a Methodist preacher has been arrested and detained.
“The censorship of media means that it is difficult to verify how many more people are or may have been arrested and detained. These detentions are breaching basic human rights. These detentions will create a bad international reputation for Fiji and will have a negative impact on efforts to move the country forward,” Rev Yabaki said.
CCF reminds the Disciplined Forces that even in a state of emergency, the following human rights may not be derogated:
* Right to Life; Freedom from Cruel or Degrading Treatment; Freedom from Unreasonable Searches or Seizure; Rights of Arrested, Detained or Charged People; Right to a Fair Trial and Access to Courts or Tribunals; Freedom of Religion and Belief; Right to Vote by Secret Ballot; Right to Equality Before the Law and not to be Discriminated Against; Right to an Education; Protection Against Compulsory Acquisition of Property.
For further information, please contact CCF ph: 3308379, fax: 3308380.