Strong calls are emerging from concerned Fijians to shut down the ‘ChatFiji Facebook’ forum following the death of social influencer Esala Seru Yalewamama, known as ‘Ranadi Kei Viti’, yesterday morning. The forum has a reputation for unregulated content, often featuring defamatory and derogatory posts about individuals.
Assistant Commissioner of Police – Crime (ACP) Mesake Waqa confirmed that an investigation was underway regarding the circumstances surrounding Esala’s death, which is allegedly connected to the ‘ChatFiji Facebook’ forum.
“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, another social media influencer and lawyer, Jon Apted, argues that 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 stated.
Apted suggests that changing behavior through education, effective handling of complaints, and prosecution of serious offenders is necessary. He emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to keep online platforms safe and to create a respectful online culture.
“Freedom of speech is not an absolute right. It allows you the fullest freedom to express your views about issues and political figures, but it does not include the freedom to say nasty personal things about others or cause anyone harm,” Apted added.
He calls on the Fiji Human Rights, the Anti-Discrimination Commission, and the Online Safety Commission to educate the public on the limits of freedom of speech. Apted also urges the Government to increase resources for the Commission in light of rising cyberbullying incidents.
The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement has condemned the psychological violence and character attacks online. Executive director Nalini Singh is urging authorities to intensify efforts in monitoring online violence. “This is not the first time, and it is sad that despite Esala’s death, people continue to dump hateful remarks online. When will we learn?” Singh asked.
The movement calls for no impunity for online violence, especially against marginalized communities, and urges Fijians to exercise responsible online etiquette by refraining from hate speech.
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission echoed these sentiments. Chairperson Pravesh Sharma highlighted the responsibility of public chat-forum administrators and commenters for hate comments on their pages, stressing that they must face the full brunt of the law. “Freedom of speech carries ‘responsibility’ and has limitations,” Sharma said.
The 2013 Constitution includes provisions that limit free speech to protect reputation, privacy, dignity, rights, or freedoms of other persons, including protection from hate speech and preventing attacks on the dignity of individuals.
Every person is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection, treatment, and benefit of the law. Discrimination on grounds of personal characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion, among others, is prohibited unless opinions or beliefs involve harm to others.
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