Naupoto concerned why Sayed-Khaiyum was paraded around in handcuffs

FijiFirst MP, Viliame Naupoto is concerned why former Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum was unnecessarily paraded around in handcuffs when he was taken from the CID Headquarters in Toorak to Totogo Police Station on Monday night.

Naupoto asks whether police believe there was a risk of Sayed-Khaiyum escaping, and an investigation and explanation are warranted.

Naupoto says political persecution is a grave threat to the democratic fabric of any society.

He says when opposition members are unfairly targeted and arrested for their political views, it not only violates their fundamental rights but also undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and democracy.

Naupoto says the use of police to parade opposition politicians in handcuffs only serves to further humiliate and intimidate them, and it violates human rights conventions that protect the dignity of all individuals.

The FijiFirst MP says when political persecution is allowed to go unchecked, it creates a culture of fear and intolerance, stifles dissent and critical thinking, and ultimately undermines the foundations of democracy.

He says it also sends a chilling message to other members of society who may hold opposing views, silencing their voices and preventing them from participating in the democratic process.

Naupoto says the actions of the police are tantamount to the abridgement of states' obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the state has acceded, as well as the states' obligations under the rights of arrested, detained, and accused persons guaranteed under the Fijian Constitution.

Naupoto says they are also concerned about the possible racist nature of this incident.

He says after Shaenaz Voss was picked up on Eid, it seems that Sayed-Khaiyum is also being treated differently than other people charged with the same offence.

Naupoto says most concerning is the silence of the UN Human Rights Office, the various embassies of countries that claim to support the cause of human rights, the international community, and the local and international media.

He says those who take pleasure in the torture and degrading of others are just as bad as those who remain silent and say nothing.

The FijiFirst MP says the Fiji Police Force under the coalition government has breached the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) in the case of Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Naupoto says the coalition government is using illegal and inhumane tactics to degrade, shame, torture, and persecute their political opponents, and these have been banned via UNCAT.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the reason he was given for being handcuffed while being taken from CID Headquarters to Totogo Police Station was that it was for his own safety, so obviously he took the word of the Police and was handcuffed.

He says the police officers conducting the interviews have been very courteous and professional.

Sayed-Khaiyum alleges he understands some of them are under a lot of political pressure.

He claims they get told certain things and that is the direction that they have to take.

Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office.

It relates to a report lodged by the Acting Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa.

It is alleged that between the 30th of June, 2022 and the 12th of July, 2022 in Suva, whilst being employed in the civil service as the Acting Prime Minister of Fiji, Sayed-Khaiyum signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government of Fiji and the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, agreeing to pay the taxes of Mohammed Saneem without the proper approval of the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President of Fiji, in abuse of the authority of his office, which was an arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of the Government of Fiji.

While making comments outside the court house, he said this is actually a political witch-hunt and they are seeing it repeatedly.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has stressed there is no political witch-hunt.

Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew has stated that he will not respond to political statements.

We have sent questions to Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua.