Opposition MP Virendra Lal has criticized Minister for Women and Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, for her remarks about imposing the death penalty for drug trafficking, arguing that the focus should instead be on stronger penalties for crimes like rape. Lal contended that while drug trafficking is a social issue in Fiji, the Minister’s comments raise the question of why only drug traffickers are being targeted.
As the Shadow Minister for Women, Lal expressed his disapproval of the Minister’s statement, emphasizing that crimes such as rape, particularly child rape, deserve much harsher punishments. He highlighted the lifelong emotional and mental suffering victims endure when perpetrators receive minimal sentences.
Lal questioned the fairness of allowing a rape victim to live in fear while their assailant potentially walks free after serving a short prison term. He urged the Minister to focus on addressing more severe issues rather than making reactionary comments.
He concluded by suggesting that laws should be revisited to impose life imprisonment for severe offenses, ensuring better protection for women and children in society.