Media release – for immediate use

2 October 2009

Fiji lawyers

Fiji’s regime cancelled a permit for the Fiji Law Society to hold its annual general meeting last weekend, and the New Zealand Law Society remains concerned that these sort of actions continue to undermine the rule of law in that country.

NZLS President John Marshall QC says the regime’s revocation of the permit, which had been issued by the police, was a direct attack on the society and the independence of the legal profession in Fiji.

"It illustrates the regime’s lack of commitment to democratic rights and freedoms," he says.

He has discussed the situation in Fiji with Dorsami Naidu, President of the Fiji Law Society.

As well as the permit revocation, the regime has also recently dismissed two magistrates, without giving reasons.

"This action comes a few months after the regime purported to dismiss the entire judiciary of Fiji in April, following the Fiji Court of Appeal decision that the 2006 coup was unlawful.

"An independent judiciary is vital for the maintenance of the rule of law and the regime simply disregards this fundamental principle.

"The NZLS fully supports the courage that the Fiji Law Society shows and its ongoing struggle to uphold the rule of law in Fiji. Fijian lawyers continue to provide independent advice to their clients and carry on practice in very difficult circumstances," John Marshall says.

ENDS

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