February 5, 2007
Dear interim Prime Minister Bainimarama and President Iloilo,
We write to share our concerns regarding developments in
We are particularly concerned about allegations that your government has engaged in arbitrary detention and abuse of particular individuals.
On the evening of December 24, 2006, Ms. Virisila Buadromo, executive director of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, Mr. Arshad Daud, Ms. Buadromo’s partner, Ms. Laisa Digitaki, a businesswoman, Mr. Imraz Iqbal, a businessman and former journalist, and Ms. Jacqueline Koroi and Mr. Pita Waqavonovono, both youth activists, were taken from their homes by members of the military. No arrest warrants were produced. Between the coup on December 5, 2006 and this incident, some members of this group had received threatening phone calls from individuals who identified themselves as members of the military. The six were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Barracks, where they were questioned and beaten by military officials. At least two were hit in the face in the course of their questioning, and one required a neck brace following her release. Another suffered a broken leg and broken ribs. Early the following morning, they were forced to run 10km in the rain to Lami, where they were made to dismantle pro-democracy banners. They were subsequently informed by the Immigration Department that they would not be allowed to leave the country.
The comment from you, Interim Prime Minister Bainimarama, that, “If we need to call [activists] in and say you’re speaking too much, we’ll do it,” would appear to be an unacceptable endorsement of this behavior.
Other detentions and assaults by members of the military are of equal concern. According to our information, at least two dozen people, including civil society activists, but also members of the business and media communities as well as private citizens, have been detained. None appears to have been detained with a warrant. Those detained include:
- Mr. Kenneth Zinck, former government minister of Labour, who was detained twice (6 December, 9 January). On the occasion of his second arrest on January 9, Mr. Zinck was taken by members of the military to the Namaka barracks near Nadi after he made comments in a publication against the military regime. He was allegedly beaten during his detention.
- Mr. Mesake Koroi, Fiji Daily Post General Manager (December 8), was taken to Queen Elizabeth Barracks for speaking out against the military.
- Mr. Peceli Kinivuwai, United Fiji Party (Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua, SDL) National Director (December 9), was also taken to Queen Elizabeth Barracks for speaking out against the military.
- Mr. Robert Wolfgramm, Editor-in-chief of the Fiji Daily Post (December 14), was not given a reason for his detention and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Barracks.
- Mr. Jagannath Sami, former Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive (December 23, and January 18), was taken to the police station in Lautoka for making statements to discredit the military.
- Ms. Laisa Vulakoro, Musician (December 28), was questioned by the police after voicing [her] criticisms of the military.
We note that these actions violate
The death in military custody of Mr. [Nimilote] Verebasaga, a land surveyor, particularly merits independent investigation. Mr. Verebasaga did not appear to be suffering from any life-threatening injuries or illness when he was taken into custody on January 5, 2007 for alleged disputes with his neighbors. He too was taken to Queen Elizabeth Barracks, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the barracks hospital. His body was then taken to
The military’s placing on leave on January 3, 2007 of Chief Judge Daniel Fatiaki and Chief Magistrate Ms. Naomi [Matanitobua] also raises concerns about your present and future commitment to the rule of law. These two senior members of the judiciary appear to have been dismissed because they are likely to oppose your efforts to suspend the Constitution. An independent judiciary is fundamental to the protection of human rights, and military interference in it constitutes grave disregard for the rule of law.
President Iloilo’s January 4 statement supporting the extension of legal immunity to all coup members and interim Prime Minister Bainimarama’s similar statement on January 7 send a worrying signal that you intend to prevent investigations into allegations of serious human rights abuses perpetrated by members of the military. Any attempt to grant impunity for abuses will undermine efforts to re-establish a stable and democratic
Human Rights Watch urges that you publicly reiterate your commitments to basic freedoms as guaranteed by
Sincerely,
Brad Adams
Executive Director
Asia Division
3 comments:
Why does it take an outsider to state the obvious and how many more injustices have to be perpetrated against the civilian population by the Commander and his cronnies before action is taken by Fijians,within Fiji . I'l gaurantee , the arrest of the leaders , would see the rest of the Soldiers fall into line . It's my personal belief that they also have been threatened to tow the line or they too will be beaten up ! I'm certain that the obedient and rightous Soldiers of the Fiji Military Forces , are simply waiting for the right moment to strike on behalf of the people of Fiji . But they can't do it on their own ! the public , must show the way ! for the future of Fiji and your Children's future , I sincerely hope you have the courage and fortitude to act before China gets a foothold on your community . Once that happens , your stuffed for good !
The people of Fiji should now make a stand, enough is enough. They should think about civil disobedience or non violent protest. May be the union should go on strike and solicit public support. Its a pitty when the general public remains silent in the face of abuse and torture.
If a simple response or letter to the editor warrants a marching order and in isolation for many hours in the military camp - this is scarring the common person. If a taxi driver can stop at a checkpoint and tell the army that you have been laughing about them - what kind of situation do you have at hand. This is all very new to the people of Fiji and the army is using the situation to their advantage. Big groups like the GCC supported by Akuila yabaki and co will definitley get the people's attention.
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