Fiji police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the leak of an explicit video involving former cabinet minister Lynda Tabuya. The former minister, who held the portfolio for women, children, and social protection, has filed a complaint with the police’s cybercrime unit, asserting that the distribution of the private video constitutes a serious form of cyberbullying.
The video, which has gone viral, led to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision to dismiss Tabuya from her cabinet position, a move he stated was in the best interest of the public. The video’s content, reportedly featuring Tabuya and her husband, has sparked considerable scandal and public outrage.
Tabuya, who has been advocating for a ban on pornography in Fiji, characterized the leak as a blatant act of gender-based violence. In her statement, she expressed that this incident reflects the broader issue of gender-based online violence that many women and girls in Fiji face. “This is a grievous form of cyberbullying and must stop if we are truly committed to ending violence against women and girls in Fiji,” she stated.
She emphasized that sharing private videos and images between consenting partners, like herself and her husband, should not be viewed as illegal or immoral. Deputy Police Commissioner Livai Driu reiterated the gravity of cyberbullying, emphasizing that the investigation would hold all perpetrators accountable, regardless of their public status.
While Tabuya was removed from her cabinet role, she continues as a Member of Parliament; however, there are growing calls for her resignation due to the incident’s impact on public trust.
This situation highlights the critical need for stronger protections against cyberbullying and gender-based violence, particularly in the digital age. Tabuya’s stance against the leak reinforces the importance of privacy rights and respect for individuals in private relationships. Encouragingly, the emphasis on accountability may pave the way for a more supportive environment for victims of online harassment moving forward.
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