4 Nov 2020

Rabuka ponders defamation case against Fiji PM

4:23 pm on 4 November 2020

Fiji's Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says he may seek judicial redress for possible defamation by Prime Minister Frank Bainimamara.

SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka at party HQ on Saturday 17 November

SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka at party HQ on Saturday 17 November Photo: RNZ/Sally Round

At this week's commemoration of the 2000 mutiny, Bainimarama likened Rabuka to a snake in the community, adding that some involved in the mutiny were still in parliament.

Rabuka said the courts had cleared him of charges relating to the mutiny, and after the prosecution's appeal being rejected, the case is closed.

He reminded the prime minister that he must serve all people in Fiji, alleging his administration best served the few families donating millions to his FijiFirst party.

Rabuka said many historical injustices continued to fester in Fiji but the government had not acted on a proposal to set up a Truth Commission.

After the mutiny was put down, the members of the military tortured and killed four rebel soldiers in retaliation, which had remained unpunished.

Police investigate claims against AG

Meanwhile local police were investigating allegations linking the country's Attorney-General to a 1987 bomb incident.

The Fiji Times reported police received a complaint lodged against the senior government official.

Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, said the investigation was "still open and ongoing".

The complaint to police had linked Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, to an incident involving a bomb in 1987.

During a media conference in Suva, Sayed-Khaiyum was asked about the matter.

When asked whether he had anything to say or if police had spoken to him in relation to the complaint, the Attorney-General only said police were carrying out their investigations.

Police did not confirm if they had interviewed Sayed-Khaiyum over the matter.

Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum

Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum Photo: Fiji Govt