1 Jun 2005

Fiji Labour Party to boycott second reading of Reconciliation Bill

10:21 am on 1 June 2005

The Fiji Labour Party will boycott the second reading of the government's controversial Reconciliation and Unity Bill by the prime minister, Laisenia Qarase.

Labour Whip Krishna Datt says they will also NOT take part in the parliament's Justice, Law and Order sector committee when it seeks public submissions on the Bill.

The measures follow Labour's failed attempt to stop the tabling of the Bill in parliament yesterday.

Mr Datt says the concerns raised by all sections of the community have not been considered and it should not have been tabled.

The government Bill will fast track amnesty for coup convicts like George Speight, erase their criminal records, give immunity to those not yet prosecuted and suspend court proceedings against those facing charges.