National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad has stated that Fiji has clearly become a Police State with the guarantors of law becoming a law unto themselves.
He says that NFP has labelled the arrest and interrogation of trade unionists by police, for allegedly breaching the Public Order Act, as persecution, harassment and intimidation by the Fiji Police Force, on the orders from government.
Professor Prasad also stated that the Fiji First Government through the Police have unilaterally determined that Unionists and jobless workers have no rights even if it means the destruction of their livelihoods.
The Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry also said in a statement that FLP strongly denounces the strong arm tactics used by the Police in arresting and holding overnight unionists and workers involved in the Water Authority of Fiji industrial dispute.
Chaudhry says that this is nothing but intimidation of workers and unions and a denial of their right to engage in peaceful protest.
Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho earlier today assured people that police will ensure the safety of everyone and will not allow unscrupulous elements to disrupt the water supply or operations of Water Authority of Fiji.
Qiliho says their officers have been on high alert to ensure that the situation does not get out of hand.
The Police Commissioner adds that the next process of advertising the new jobs is now underway, and he would strongly advise people to understand the law and not be tricked into following those with agendas by being part of illegal gatherings and strikes as it could hinder their chances of securing employment.
Meanwhile, the Water Authority of Fiji says over 500 people have already applied for the jobs advertised by the Water Authority of Fiji.
The Water Authority of Fiji says this includes many temporary workers whose contracts ended on Tuesday.
It says every year, WAF advertises for temporary workers to be a part of upcoming projects around Fiji and this has been practised for many years.
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