Two people who were taken in for questioning by the Military on December 24th, 2006 for protesting against the military takeover have come out today and questioned the delay in justice and why the Fiji Human Rights Commission has not spoken out against the illegal detention and the alleged abuse of human rights.
The two, Jackie Koroi and Pita Waqavonovono say that for investigations to proceed, Human Rights Commission Chairman, Doctor Shaista Shameem needs to step aside and let a person well versed with the happenings in the country take over as Chairman of the Human Rights Commission.
Speaking to Fijivillage News, Waqavonovono said since the takeover by the Interim Administration, Doctor Shameem has defended the reports of alleged human rights abuses by the Military, saying that the blame lies entirely with those that were taken in.
The same sentiments were also shared by fellow activist, Jackie Koroi who questions the reason on why justice has been slow coming since there have been repeated cases of human rights abuses yet nothing has been done.
However, speaking from Geneva, Fiji Human Rights Commission Chairman Doctor Shaista Shameem said a lot of criticisms have been levelled against the reports by the Commission and adds that she will not listen to what the NGOs and other critics have to say.
Meanwhile, on questions whether a new Human Rights Commissioner to replace Shameema Ali has been found, Doctor Shameem reiterated that the procedure needs to be followed and according to the Constitution, Ali's replacement will be decided upon by the Government of the day.
Last week Shameem had revealed that Ali was no longer the Commissioner of the FHRC as a term has come to an end and that none of Shameema Ali's comments reflects those of the Commission.
Human Rights Commission role questioned
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