Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, has proposed the reinstatement of the death penalty for drug traffickers apprehended with significant quantities of drugs.
In a recent media statement, Tabuya highlighted that Fiji is increasingly becoming a transit hub for drug trafficking to other markets, emphasizing the pressing need for stricter laws to safeguard the nation’s borders and its residents.
She voiced serious concerns regarding the widespread availability of drugs in communities, which are being consumed by both adults and children. According to Tabuya, establishing a strong deterrent, including the death penalty, is crucial in order to protect individuals who may not be fully aware of the detrimental impacts of drugs. She noted that many are resorting to drug-related activities for quick financial gains, but this is ultimately more harmful than beneficial to society.
Tabuya asserted that implementing harsh penalties could help dissuade drug traffickers and criminals from conducting illegal operations within Fiji.
Historically, the concept of the death penalty in Fiji has faced significant changes. The last execution took place in 1964, and the death penalty was abolished for all crimes in 2015, following a commitment to uphold fundamental human rights as outlined in the Fijian Constitution, which came into effect in 2013. Moreover, the 2015 reforms by the FijiFirst Government endorsed numerous recommendations that aimed to align the nation with international human rights standards, including the removal of all references to the death penalty from military laws.