There are strong calls from concerned Fijians to shut down the ChatFiji Facebook forum. This appeal comes after the death of social influencer Esala Seru Yalewamama, known as ‘Ranadi Kei Viti’, who passed away yesterday morning.
ChatFiji, a local Facebook forum, has become notorious for its unregulated content, often hosting defamatory and derogatory posts about individuals. The circumstances surrounding Esala’s death are allegedly connected to the ChatFiji Facebook forum. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime (ACP) Mesake Waqa, 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 to shut down the forum, 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, it’s not a long-term solution since the bad behavior will merely be transferred to a new or different page,” he said. “The solution lies in changing behavior through education, effective handling of complaints, and where possible, prosecution of serious offenders. We ourselves need to take responsibility for keeping online platforms safe and creating a more respectful online culture. We should stop reacting to or sharing harmful posts and, where possible, call out and report the more offensive ones.”
Apted emphasized that many people wrongly believe their freedom of speech allows them to say whatever they like online. “Freedom of speech is not an absolute right,” he added. “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 is urging the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission as well as the Online Safety Commission to educate the public on the limits of freedom of speech. “Given the increasing incidents of cyberbullying, the government needs to look urgently at increasing the resources available to the Commission,” he said.
The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement has strongly condemned repeated acts of psychological violence and character attacks. Executive director Nalini Singh called on authorities to improve monitoring of online violence. “It is sad that despite Esala’s death, people continue to post hateful remarks online. When will we learn?” Singh said. “Time and time again, we continue to speak out against cyberbullying and online harassment, demanding justice for victims. We must understand that these sexist, abusive, and defamatory attacks have repercussions.”
The movement calls for no impunity for online violence, especially against marginalized communities, and urges Fijians to practice responsible online etiquette by refraining from engaging in hate speech.
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRC) echoed similar sentiments. Chairperson Pravesh Sharma expressed concern that managers of public chat forums on social media are failing to moderate hate comments. “The culpability lies with the administrators of these forums and those who comment. They must face the full brunt of the law,” Sharma said. “Freedom of speech carries ‘responsibility’ and has limitations.”
The 2013 Constitution, under Section 17 (3)(b)(d), notes that laws may limit free speech to protect the reputation, privacy, dignity, rights, or freedoms of others, including the right to be free from hate speech. It also prevents attacks on the dignity of individuals or groups that could promote ill will or discrimination.
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