Government Wants To Prosecute 'Saboteurs' Of Fiji

USP Pacific Journalism Online: http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/
USP Pasifik Nius: http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/nius/index.html
USP Pasifik Nius stories on Scoop (NZ):
http://www.scoop.co.nz/international.htm
Have your say: http://www.TheGuestBook.com/vgbook/109497.gbook

Government Wants To Prosecute 'Saboteurs' Of Fiji Economy

* See earlier reports online: http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/docs/news/nius3097shoot.html

SUVA (Pacnews): Legislation aimed at prosecuting those who campaign for trade and economic sanctions against Fiji is expected to be ready in this Pacific island nation next week, reports PACNEWS.

Senior government officials in Suva told PACNEWS the proposed decree could also rope in journalists accused of irresponsible and malicious reporting. A newspaper report says the proposed law - named the National Security Decree -- will prosecute those involved in trying to disrupt the country.

A senior public official said the country's interim government has embarked on a programme aimed at restoring the economy after the crippling effects of the May 19 coup and subsequent upheavals since then.

"My understanding of the proposed decree is that any person found to be working against that clear mandate of economic rehabilitation could face charges," the government official told PACNEWS.

"It's a controversial piece of legislation alright because of the implications it has on the fundamental rights of the individual," the official admitted.

Fiji's trade union movement has warned the country's un-elected government against the decree because of its implications on the basic rights of individuals.

Fiji Trades Union Congress General Secretary Felix Anthony had warned recently that the congress would seek support of its overseas affiliates if efforts are made to curtail trade union rights.

+++niuswire

© Scoop Media