24 Jul 2020

Fiji govt called out over treatment of certain prisoners

From , 6:02 am on 24 July 2020

Women's rights groups in Fiji are calling out the government's paradoxes and contradictions in its approach to the fight against violence against women and girls in the country.

This follows revelations a convicted rapist and former rugby sevens star is being allowed to leave the prison and train with a top local team.

Amenoni Nasilasila was sentenced to eight years in September last year for the rape of a 24-year-old woman in 2018.

Last week, the 26-year-old Olympic gold medallist was reportedly seen training with the Namosi rugby team in Suva.

But Shamima Ali, of the Women's Crisis Centre, says this is in violation of the Corrections Services rehabilitation policy.

Ms Ali tells Christine Rovoi it's time the government walks the talk.

Shamima Ali.

Shamima Ali. Photo: Supplied/FWCC