Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his belief that while the death penalty has been proposed as a means to deter drug-related crimes, it is not the solution to the ongoing drug issues. He highlighted the main concern surrounding the death penalty is its irreversible nature.
“Globally, there have been instances where new evidence emerged years after an execution that could have altered the verdict,” Rabuka stated. He emphasized the need for careful consideration regarding the sweeping implications of such permanent decisions.
The topic gained significant attention after Minister of Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, remarked that drug traffickers should face the death penalty. Following her comments, there has been a call from politicians, religious figures, and human rights advocates for Rabuka to dismiss Tabuya or take disciplinary measures against her.
Regarding this situation, Rabuka mentioned that he has not yet had a chance to meet with Tabuya to address the issue and is waiting for a formal complaint to proceed.