Fiji police are currently investigating the leak of an explicit video featuring former cabinet minister Lynda Tabuya. The ex-minister for women, children, and social protection has filed a complaint with the police cybercrime unit, labeling the dissemination of the private video as a severe instance of cyberbullying.
The video quickly went viral, leading Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to dismiss Tabuya from her Cabinet position, citing the decision as being in the best interest of the public. The video’s content, said to involve Tabuya and her husband, has sparked significant scandal and public outcry.
Tabuya, who has advocated for a ban on pornographic websites in Fiji, has characterized the video leak as a stark example of gender-based violence. In her statement, she emphasized, “This is the grim reality of what two-thirds of women and girls in Fiji face: gender-based online violence.” She called for an end to such behavior if there is a genuine commitment to stop violence against women and girls in the nation. Tabuya argued that sharing private videos between consenting adults should not be condemned, stating, “In this case it was me and my husband.”
Deputy Police Commissioner Livai Driu asserted that cyberbullying is a serious crime encompassing various aspects, including privacy violations and human rights concerns. He assured that the investigation would adhere to legal standards without providing special consideration due to Tabuya’s political status, affirming, “We treat all Fijians the same; no one is above the law here.”
Despite her Cabinet dismissal, Tabuya has retained her position as a Member of Parliament, with her assistant minister, Sashi Kiran, taking her place. However, there are growing demands for her resignation from Parliament as critics claim that the incident has undermined public confidence.
This situation highlights ongoing challenges related to privacy, gender-based violence, and the effects of cyberbullying in today’s digital age. It serves as a reminder of the essential need for protective legislative measures and social support systems to guard against such violations. As public discourse continues around the matter, there is hope that this incident may ignite broader conversations about online safety and respect for privacy, encouraging a more supportive environment for all individuals, particularly women facing similar situations.
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