Opposition Member of Parliament Ketan Lal has expressed concerns over the recent call by Minister for Women and Children Lynda Tabuya for the reintroduction of the death penalty in Fiji, stating it undermines the nation’s commitment to human rights and justice.
Lal emphasized that while drug trafficking is undoubtedly a severe issue that requires robust legal action, suggesting the death penalty contradicts the constitutional principles and international obligations that Fiji upholds. He pointed out that the Constitution guarantees the right to life and prohibits cruel and degrading treatment, stating that reinstating the death penalty would infringe upon these basic rights and weaken the integrity of the justice system, which is meant to protect human dignity and uphold the rule of law.
He further noted that Fiji’s dedication to international treaties against the death penalty highlights the country’s commitment to human rights globally. Lal warned that any decision to reinstate such a severe punishment would not only be regressive but could also damage Fiji’s international reputation and moral standing.
Lal urged that instead of considering extreme measures, the focus should be on improving the justice system, enhancing law enforcement, and investing in rehabilitation and prevention strategies to address the underlying causes of drug-related crime. He expressed disappointment at the Minister’s stance, particularly in light of the severe impact of crimes like rape, which cause immense trauma and require societal attention.
He advocated for life sentences for rapists and stronger laws to ensure justice for survivors, asserting that efforts should concentrate on creating a legal framework that provides prompt justice for victims of sexual violence while also safeguarding the rights of all individuals.
Lal concluded by reinforcing the importance of fighting against drug trafficking rigorously but within the confines of the Constitution and the human rights framework, warning against allowing fear to lead to unconstitutional and ineffective policies.