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The Fiji Attorney General, Sayed-Khaiyum says there are no restrictions on religion in Fiji. Sayed-Khaiyum responded to comments by Jonathan Temm , president of the New Zealand Law Society by saying his comments are “obtuse, lack any substance and it is clear that he is seriously misinformed on events in Fiji.”
On August 26 Radio New Zealand International reported that Fiji’s interim government had “banned all Methodist Church meetings, though services don’t appear to be affected.”
It was reported that the military council has written to the church banning monthly, quarterly, standing committee, financial and divisional meetings.
The ban which Fiji’s Military Regime and now Police Force has placed on Methodist Church of Fiji gatherings and meetings is a disturbing development in a country where the rule of law is already eroded, according the New Zealand Law Society.
Temm said the Law Society had been approached by concerned church officials who were devastated at the move.
“The right to peaceful assembly and the freedom of religion are recognised fundamental rights,” Mr Temm said.
He also has warned New Zealanders about visiting Fiji. “New Zealanders need to know rights and freedoms in Fiji are severely restricted.
The President of the Law Council of Australia, Alex Ward, says he agrees with Temm, that what has happened to the church is profoundly disturbing. However, he does not support Mr Temm’s call for tourists to seriously consider avoiding Fiji.
Sayed-Khaiyum suggested that, instead of responding to invitations to visit Fiji, Temm relied on “hearsay and exaggerated opinions, not to mention untruthful reporting by sections of the New Zealand media.
He said Temm should have investigated himself rather than relying “on untruths from sections of the New Zealand media or politically motivated individuals from Fiji”.
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News category: Asia Pacific.
