Attacks on places of worship opportunistic, with no political motives - COMPOL

Seven men have been arrested and charged in connection with criminal acts targeting places of worship across Fiji from January to July 2025.

Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu has also strongly dismissed the belief that these crimes are racially motivated, noting that the seven arrested include three Fijians of Indian descent and four iTaukei men.

Police are also calling on the community to share information to help prevent such crimes.

Commissioner Tudravu says these incidents, which occurred at churches, mosques, temples, and private prayer rooms, are often carried out by individuals seeking financial gain or youths acting unruly.

He says community policing teams conduct visitations and operations before major religious events to raise awareness about the safety and security of worshippers.

He emphasized that investigations show these sacrilege cases are opportunistic, with no political motives as some had speculated.

Tudravu is urging everyone to work together by respecting the rights of all individuals to practice their religion or belief, whether in private or public spaces.