An 85-year-old villager from Lawai in Sigatoka has called on the Joint Special Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill to reintroduce the death penalty for those who commit serious crimes such as murder and rape, saying the country's laws are weak and too lenient towards offenders.
While making submissions to the Committee during consultations at Lawai Village in Sigatoka, the villager says weaknesses in the country's laws have contributed to an increase in the number of people in prison, and the number continues to grow.
He says he is ashamed to say which ethnicity makes up a large proportion of the prison population, saying that it is predominantly iTaukei.
He also called for the reintroduction of the death penalty by hanging for people who commit serious crimes such as murder and rape, saying the sentences handed down by the judiciary are too lenient.
The man adds that bringing back the death penalty would instill fear in those who want to commit crimes.
The 85-year-old villager also highlighted the need for people from overseas who wish to reside in Fiji to pay a residential tax.
Consultations continue today at Rakiraki Village Hall in Navutulevu from 4pm to 6pm.
Tomorrow, consultations will be held at Wailotua Village Hall in Wainibuka from 10am to midday and at Korovou Primary School Hall from 3pm to 5pm.
