5 Dec 2015

Fiji opposition concerned about torture claims

5:43 pm on 5 December 2015

Fiji's opposition leader says she's concerned about allegations of torture and threats made by a lawyer representing people accused of sedition.

Fiji's Opposition leader Ro Teimumu Kepa.

Fiji's Opposition leader Ro Teimumu Kepa. Photo: RNZI / Sally Round

Fiji's opposition leader says she's concerned about allegations of torture and threats made by a lawyer representing people accused of sedition.

Aman Ravindra-Singh says he's living in fear after receiving threats over his involvement in representing dozens of people who have been brought before the courts after being charged with sedition.

The Lautoka-based lawyer says the threats have included three attacks, by men he believes are members of Fiji's security forces, on people close to him in recent weeks.

In a statement marking the ninth anniversary of Frank Bainimarama's 2006 coup, Ro Teimumu Kepa says it appears that Fiji is still governed by fear and intimidation.

Ro Teimumu says since Mr Bainimarama, who was then the army commander, took power, the country is yet to return to full democracy and there has been no justice for torture victims.

Mr Bainimarama was elected prime minister last year in the first elections since the coup under a new constitution.

Ro Teimumu says she will move a motion to call for an independent inquiry into the violation of human rights by the Bainimarama government between 2006 and 2011 at the next session of parliament.