Fiji military leader says he will not be silenced

Tuesday, 26 September 2006, 3:00 am
Press Release: Radio New Zealand International

Fiji’s military leader says he will not be silenced

Fiji’s military commander says he will no longer keep quiet and will not give in to the government’s attempts to silence him.

Commodore Bainimarama has told the Sunday Times that no one and nothing is going to stop him or the military from speaking the truth.

His comments came after the prime minister asked President Iloilo to seek a ruling from the Supreme Court on the constitutional role and responsibilities of the military.

Commodore Bainimarama said he found it strange that the government is trying to do this now when during the crisis caused by the May 2000 coup no one questioned the role of the military when it acted to restore law and order.

Commodore Bainimarama says if he keeps speaking out, things may be reversed in Fiji so there can be real peace and stability and not just a façade.

He said the increase in violent crimes, attacks on places of worship and growing numbers of rapes and prison escapees showed that Fijian youths have no respect for law and order.

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