Opposition MP Virendra Lal has criticized Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, for her comments advocating the death penalty for drug trafficking. Lal described these remarks as misguided, arguing that the focus should be on implementing stronger penalties for more serious crimes like rape, rather than solely targeting drug traffickers.
Lal acknowledged that drug traffickers contribute to the social problems in Fiji but questioned why the Minister was only addressing drug-related offenses. As the Shadow Minister for Women, he expressed his refusal to support Tabuya’s stance, emphasizing the need for harsher punishments for more severe crimes, particularly child rape.
He highlighted the long-lasting emotional and psychological trauma that victims endure when offenders receive lenient sentences. According to Lal, victims of rape often face a lifetime of struggles in forming healthy relationships due to the fear of encountering their attackers after minimal punishment.
Lal urged that the focus should be on addressing deeper issues rather than making reactionary statements. He suggested that the Minister for Women should advocate for a review of existing laws to ensure that those guilty of heinous crimes receive life sentences, and called for better social protection measures for women and children in the community.