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Illustration of State presents human rights violations evidence

Court Hears Shocking Allegations Against Grace Road Group

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Evidence of human rights violations by the Grace Road Group was presented in the High Court in Lautoka during a judicial review of the former immigration minister Pio Tikoduadua’s decision to deport the group’s president, Daniel Kim. The evidence included a police statement from former church member Jolie Lee, who alleged severe mistreatment within the church, describing instances of physical abuse, or “thrashing,” which had also been referenced by the Korean Government in a diplomatic note regarding the organization’s practices.

During the hearing overseen by Justice Anare Tuilevuka, Deputy State Solicitor Ofa Solimailagi emphasized the importance of these allegations, noting that Ms. Lee’s experiences go beyond personal abuse; she was reportedly separated from her children during her time with the group. Ms. Solimailagi argued that matters related to national security and governance, which were part of Tikoduadua’s rationale for the deportation, should not be overlooked.

In defense, Kim’s lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, contended that Lee’s claims were irrelevant to the allegations made in 2015 against the group. He asserted that Lee’s accusations pertained to her experiences after she joined the church in 2017, claiming her evidence was disconnected from the prior diplomatic issues. Sharma maintained that the Grace Road Church operates as a closed entity and does not interact with the general public in Fiji.

The court is set to issue its ruling on this case on February 14, 2025, as both parties continue to navigate the complexities of the legal proceedings. As this situation unfolds, it underscores the significant issues of human rights within organizational contexts, highlighting the need for adequate legal protections and responses to such allegations.

This ongoing legal battle serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized groups, advocating for fundamental rights and fair treatment across all levels of society. The case offers hope that judicial annotations of alleged abuses may lead to meaningful reforms and greater accountability, ensuring all individuals can work and live with dignity.


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