The call for the reinstatement of the death penalty for serious drug trafficking by Lynda Tabuya, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, has sparked significant controversy. Ketan Lal, the Shadow Minister for Justice representing the Group of 16 (G16), argued that the focus should instead be on securing life sentences for rapists and enhancing legal protections for survivors of such crimes.
Lal expressed disappointment that Tabuya, who oversees the welfare of vulnerable populations, is advocating for such a harsh punishment. He emphasized the need for her office to prioritize the protection and empowerment of society’s most at-risk individuals, particularly victims of severe offenses like rape.
He highlighted the destructive nature of rape, stating that it inflicts lifelong harm on victims, and called for a legal framework that ensures prompt and reliable justice for those affected by sexual violence while also safeguarding individual rights. Lal stressed that efforts should be concentrated on improving laws against sexual offenses rather than resurrecting the death penalty.
While acknowledging the severity of drug trafficking, Lal maintained that any actions taken should comply with the Constitution and adhere to human rights directives. He warned against allowing fear to influence decisions that could lead to unconstitutional and ineffective measures.
He pointed out that proposing the death penalty contradicts Fiji’s constitutional values and international commitments, particularly Article 8 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and prohibits cruel treatment. Lal argued that reinstating the death penalty would compromise fundamental rights and weaken the justice system rooted in upholding human dignity and the rule of law. He stressed that Fiji’s adherence to international treaties opposing the death penalty underscores its commitment to human rights on the global stage, and that reinstating such a punitive measure would regress the nation’s standing and moral credibility.