Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed skepticism about the death penalty as a solution to the country’s drug issues, despite its suggestion as a deterrent. He highlighted the irreversible nature of capital punishment as a major concern, noting that cases have emerged globally where new evidence has changed the verdict long after an execution.
Rabuka emphasized the need to carefully consider the broader consequences of making such permanent decisions. His comments follow a contentious statement from Minister of Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, who advocated for death sentences for drug traffickers. This remark has sparked significant backlash, with calls from politicians, religious leaders, and human rights activists for the Prime Minister to take action against Tabuya.
In response to inquiries about the situation, Rabuka mentioned that he has not yet had discussions with Tabuya regarding the issue and is waiting for a formal complaint to be submitted.