The National Federation Party in Fiji has strongly criticised the interim regime over last week's deportation of Australian publisher, Evan Hannah, saying it now doubts the regime's respect of the law.
The party's secretary, Pramod Rae, has told the Fiji Times that the expulsion is another testimony of the fact that Fiji is now being controlled by dictators who are prepared to resort to the law of the jungle and thuggery to satisfy their greed for power.
Mr Rae says the manner in which police and immigration authorities defied a High Court order to prevent the expulsion speaks volumes about the devious intentions of those who are now illegally roaming in the corridors of power.
He says the regime has not only shot itself in the foot, but confirmed suspicions that it is not interested in returning Fiji to parliamentary democracy.
The interim government has defended its action and its head, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has warned local media executives that he can shut the media down.
The interim prime minister did not elaborate on what legal basis such a step would be possible.
