Opposition MP Virendra Lal has criticized comments made by Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, regarding the imposition of the death penalty for drug trafficking. He argues that the focus should be on establishing tougher penalties for crimes such as rape, rather than solely targeting drug offenders.
Lal acknowledged the role of drug traffickers in Fiji’s social challenges but questioned the Minister’s emphasis on drug-related crimes. “As the Shadow Minister for Women, I cannot support the Minister’s statement. There are far graver offenses that warrant harsher penalties, particularly rape and child rape. The lifelong emotional and mental suffering faced by victims when perpetrators receive minimal punishments is an injustice,” he stated.
He highlighted the struggles that rape victims endure in forming healthy relationships due to the trauma they experience, only to see their attackers released after a short time. Lal expressed concern for the constant fear victims live with when their assailants are freed.
“The Minister should not merely make reactive statements that capture immediate attention when there are more serious and complex issues that require attention. The Minister for Women should propose a review of legal statutes to ensure that severe crimes are met with life sentences and that adequate protection is provided for our women and children,” Lal concluded.