The National Referendum Bill stops every single opportunity for any Fijian to discuss the proposed referendum, according to former Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
Sayed-Khaiyum made this comment while presenting his submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights on the Bill.
He says the proposed law goes as far as making it illegal for more than five people to gather and discuss the referendum, warning that police could arrest individuals without a warrant under such circumstances.
Sayed-Khaiyum stresses the need for mechanisms that respect the wishes of the Fijian population, particularly their right to openly discuss the contents of the proposed referendum.
He says that under the current provisions, discussions are restricted not only in public meetings but also on social media platforms.
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