Around 100 former military personnel attended a hearing at the Suva High Court, represented by lawyers Isireli and Ruth Fa. The legal case involves ex-servicemen who have brought claims against the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). These claims center around allegations that former soldiers were not properly compensated for their service during peacekeeping missions with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) between 1978 and 2002.
The RFMF has decided to withdraw its previous application to dismiss the plaintiffs’ claims, thus paving the way for further legal proceedings. The court has ordered the defendants to file a statement of defense within 14 days, after which the plaintiffs will have the opportunity to respond. Additionally, the Acting Master Liyanage Kashyapa Wickramasekera has instructed the defendants to pay the plaintiffs $2,000 by October 2. The case is set for a substantive hearing on October 14.
Throughout this ongoing legal battle, the former soldiers remain hopeful for a resolution that acknowledges their grievances. Their contention is based on payments allegedly made by UNIFIL to the RFMF for distribution, which they claim were never received. If proven, the situation could potentially highlight significant discrepancies or mismanagement within the military’s administrative processes.
The case has gained attention not only for its historical implications but also due to broader concerns about accountability and transparency within military and governmental structures. Advocates for the former servicemen hope that the legal proceedings will not only address individual grievances but also lead to a greater understanding and rectification of military compensation practices.
As the judiciary evaluates these serious allegations, there is hope that this pursuit of justice will lead to a fair resolution for all parties involved, enhancing transparency and ensuring that similar situations are avoided in the future.
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