SDL’s meeting permit approved

Police have now approved the permit application made by the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party to conduct a meeting after thorough consideration.

Yesterday Police had rejected the SDL Party’s application to have a meeting in Suva.

SDL Leader Laisenia Qarase said they were planning to have a meeting of less than ten people regarding the constitution consultation process yesterday.

Police have stressed that all political parties and other organisations are allowed to hold meetings subject to the laws of the country.

Permits will be approved with the view to ensuring that law and order is maintained, and that no meetings either directly threaten or limit the ability of Fijians, as individuals or groups, to freely discuss and contribute to the upcoming consultations process for a new constitution.

We contacted Qarase this morning and he says the permit approval came in late for yesterday’s meeting and they could not meet.

They will now try to find out if they need to apply for another permit to meet on another day.  


Story by: Vijay Narayan and Sofaia Koroitanoa