Two women whose relatives were reportedly tortured during the 2006 coup are seeking clarity on how the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) can support their healing journey. Ruseieli Mua’s brother-in-law, Colonel Metuisela Mua, and Titilia Saurara’s deceased spouse, Kitione Vuataki, are among those looking for answers from the TRC.
Colonel Mua, a former Fijian military intelligence officer and politician who directed the Fiji Intelligence Services in 1988, was allegedly tortured during the coup. Mr. Vuataki, a notable Fijian lawyer from Lautoka who passed away in 2020, is also remembered in this context. The two women participated in the commission’s hearing held at the Sugar Cane Growers Council Hall in Lautoka.
The event aimed to refine the draft legislation for a commission dedicated to addressing historical injustices and promoting national reconciliation. Ms. Mua questioned the necessity of the violence, expressing a yearning for understanding and justice, particularly since her brother-in-law has been deceased for several years. Meanwhile, Ms. Saurara, who serves as the first iTaukei woman president of the Nadi Bula Festival Association and is a business figure in Lautoka, inquired about how the TRC would aid in healing the people of Fiji, emphasizing the trauma experienced by victims of the coup.
Another attendee, Dr. Mukesh Bhagat, a medical practitioner in Lautoka, raised concerns about whether the TRC has the Army’s backing. Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Services Shashi Kiran reassured that there is current support from the Army.
The draft legislation proposes safeguards to maintain the confidentiality of testimonies, ensuring that statements made to the TRC are not admissible for prosecution. The commission is set to function independently, with its operations projected to last for 18 months.