There are growing calls from concerned Fijians for the shutdown of the ‘ChatFiji Facebook’ forum. This comes after the death of social influencer Esala Seru Yalewamama, known as ‘Ranadi Kei Viti’, yesterday morning.
‘ChatFiji’ is notorious for its unregulated content and often hosts defamatory and derogatory posts about individuals. It is alleged that Esala’s death is connected to this forum, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police – Crime (ACP) Mesake Waqa, who confirmed that an investigation is underway.
“At this early stage, we cannot speculate on the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death because that will be part of the investigation process,” ACP Waqa said.
Despite the calls for the forum’s shutdown, social media influencer and lawyer Jon Apted believes this is not a permanent solution. “While that might deal with the toxic culture on one page, that is not a long-term solution since the bad behavior will merely be transferred to a new or different page,” he said. Apted suggests that the solution lies in changing behavior through education, effective handling of complaints, and prosecuting serious offenders when possible. He stressed the importance of individuals taking responsibility for maintaining safe online platforms and promoting respectful online culture.
Apted also called on the Fiji Human Rights Commission, the Anti-Discrimination Commission, and the Online Safety Commission to educate the public on what “freedom of speech allows and what it doesn’t.” He emphasized that freedom of speech does not include the freedom to make harmful personal remarks about others.
The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement has strongly condemned the recurring psychological violence and character attacks. Nalini Singh, Executive Director of the Fiji Women’s Rights Commission, urged authorities to increase efforts in monitoring online violence. “This is not the first time…and it is sad that despite Esala’s death, people continue to post hateful remarks online. When will we learn?” Singh said.
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission echoed similar sentiments. Chairperson Pravesh Sharma expressed concern about the lack of moderation on public chat forums and stressed that those responsible must face the full extent of the law. “Freedom of speech carries ‘responsibility’ and has limitations,” Sharma said.
The 2013 Constitution, under Section 17 (3)(b)(d), states that a law may limit free speech to protect others’ reputation, privacy, dignity, rights, or freedoms. This includes the right to be free from hate speech and to prevent attacks that could promote ill will between groups or discrimination.
The movement calls for no impunity for online violence, especially against marginalized communities, and urges Fijians to exercise responsible online behavior by refraining from hate speech.