Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya’s recent call for the imposition of the death penalty for large-scale drug traffickers has sparked criticism. Ketan Lal, the Shadow Minister for Justice representing the Group of 16 (G16), emphasized that Fiji should instead focus on securing life sentences for rapists and creating laws that offer justice to survivors, rather than advocating for the death penalty.
Lal expressed disappointment with Ms. Tabuya, who is expected to protect and empower the most vulnerable in society, including victims of severe crimes like rape. He stated, “Rape is a crime that destroys lives and leaves scars that often never heal,” highlighting the need for urgent and effective action against such heinous acts.
He argued that Fiji should prioritize building a legal structure that provides timely justice for victims of sexual violence while safeguarding the rights of all individuals. “Our efforts should concentrate on advocating for the lives and rights of those who have suffered rather than reintroducing the death penalty,” he asserted.
Lal acknowledged the necessity for a robust fight against drug trafficking but insisted that it should occur within the framework of constitutional rights and human dignity. He cautioned against allowing fear to prompt unconstitutional and ineffective measures, urging instead for enhanced laws against crimes like rape to ensure justice for all Fijians.
Regarding the international context, Lal stressed that while drug trafficking requires serious legal responses, proposing capital punishment contradicts Fiji’s constitutional principles and global obligations. He referred to Article 8 of Fiji’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and protection against cruel treatment. He warned that reinstating the death penalty would infringe on these rights and damage the integrity of the justice system, which relies on human dignity and lawful governance.
Lal concluded by stating that any attempt to bring back such a severe measure would regress Fiji’s international reputation and moral authority, undermining its standing in global human rights advocacy.