Two women are seeking support from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to heal the trauma caused by the alleged torture of their family members during the 2006 coup. Ruseieli Mua’s brother-in-law, Colonel Metuisela Mua, and Titilia Saurara’s late husband, Kitione Vuataki, were both victims of the violence associated with that period. Colonel Mua was a former Fijian military intelligence officer who had served as director of the Fiji Intelligence Services in 1988, while Mr. Vuataki, who passed away in 2020, was a distinguished lawyer in Lautoka.
The women participated in a TRC hearing held at the Sugar Cane Growers Council Hall in Lautoka, which centered around refining draft legislation designed to confront historical injustices and promote national reconciliation. As part of the proceedings, Ms. Mua expressed her desire for clarity on the necessity of the violence, reflecting her long-standing quest for justice following her brother-in-law’s death. Meanwhile, Ms. Saurara posed the question of how the TRC intends to facilitate healing for the people of Fiji, emphasizing the hardship faced by victims of the coup.
Additionally, Dr. Mukesh Bhagat, a medical practitioner from Lautoka, raised concerns about whether the TRC has the Army’s approval. Responding to this, Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Services, Shashi Kiran, assured that they have garnered support from the Army thus far.
The proposed legislation includes important provisions aimed at safeguarding the confidentiality of testimonies, ensuring that statements provided to the TRC cannot be used for prosecution. The TRC is expected to function independently over the course of 18 months.