Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his belief that the death penalty, while proposed as a potential deterrent for drug-related issues, is not a viable solution to address the drug crisis. He highlighted significant concerns regarding the irreversible nature of capital punishment, noting that there have been instances worldwide where new evidence emerged years after an execution, which could have altered the verdict.
“We need to be cautious and reflect on the broader consequences of such irreversible decisions,” Rabuka remarked. His comments come in response to recent statements by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister of Women, Children and Social Protection, who suggested that drug traffickers should face death sentences.
The Prime Minister has faced pressure from politicians, religious leaders, and human rights advocates, who have urged him to take action against Tabuya for her remarks. In response to inquiries about the situation, Rabuka stated that he has yet to meet with Tabuya for a discussion and is awaiting a formal complaint regarding her comments.