Threatening statements about catching fellow citizens and roasting them in earth ovens must be taken seriously.
This was highlighted by National Federation Party Assistant General Secretary Apenisa Vatuniveivuke, who lodged a Police complaint against Fijian Teachers Association General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga at the CID headquarters this morning.
Vatuniveivuke says the complaint concerns what he describes as deeply disturbing, racist and threatening statements published by Manumanunitoga on Facebook.
He says the issue is not about suppressing freedom of expression, but about distinguishing between expressing an opinion and threatening fellow citizens.
Responding to questions from fijivillage News about the specific offences the party wants Police to investigate, Vatuniveivuke cited Section 17(1)(a) and (b) of the Public Order Act, Section 65(2) of the Crimes Act and Section 375 of the Crimes Act.
He says the provisions cited in the complaint relate to incitement of racial antagonism, incitement of communal antagonism, including through electronic communications, and criminal intimidation involving threats of physical injury.
Vatuniveivuke says Fiji's history of racial division and political upheaval shows the serious consequences of inflammatory statements that encourage racial hostility.
He says it is particularly disturbing that the statements allegedly came from the General Secretary of an organisation representing teachers, who are expected to promote mutual respect and help build a society free from prejudice.
Vatuniveivuke is calling on the Fiji Police Force to investigate the matter urgently and lay appropriate criminal charges if warranted.
When asked what action the party wants if an offence is established, Vatuniveivuke says they want appropriate action taken under the relevant laws.
He says the law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of their position or influence, and no Fijian should be made to feel like a stranger in their own country.
Meanwhile, NFP Leader, Professor Biman Prasad strongly condemns the racist and threatening statements published on facebook by Manumanunitoga, in which he questioned the right of fellow Fijians to belong in this country and threatened to catch people and roast them in earth ovens.
Professor Prasad describes the statements as disgraceful, dangerous and potentially criminal.
