The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission says Grace Road Group members awaiting deportation should be kept in Immigration safehouses rather than the Suva Remand Centre as they have not been charged with offences.
Commission chairperson Pravesh Sharma said this in a statement today where he expressed concern over recent reports of the treatment of certain Grace Road members and use of the word cult in reference to the organisation.
He said they received a complaint from Grace Road in relation to the manner in which some of their members were taken into custody by state officials, use of force during detainment and denial of access to a lawyer while detained at the Suva Remand Centre.
He also said one member was allegedly denied a visa to re-enter Fiji.
“Detained persons should have access to their lawyers and to other human rights defenders,” Mr Sharma said.
“The Grace Road Church members facing deportation must be given the right to challenge their detention and deportation.
“They have a legitimate expectation that their rights will be complied with.
“Section 13(1)(i) of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji allows detained persons to challenge the lawfulness of their detention before a court, and if their detention is unlawful, to be released.
“The Grace Road Church members should not be deported until the final Appellate Court hears and determines the matter. That is, all avenues of appeal or review should first be exhausted.
“The Commission is also concerned over the use of the word, ‘cult’ to describe the Grace Road Church as the word can be viewed as derogatory. Section 22 of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji ensures all persons the right to freedom of religion, conscience and belief.
“The Government Departments and state officials dealing with these matters should comply with the rule of law.”
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua issued a statement last week where he said the Korean Government communicated through diplomatic channels on September 21, 2018, that they had nullified the passports of seven individuals connected with the Grace Road Group.
The seven are president Daniel Kim, Sung Jin Lee, Nam Suk Choi, Byeong Joon Lee, Jin Sook Yoon, Beomseop Shin and Chul Na.
Mr Tikoduadua said their passports had been nullified by the Korean Government in relation to charges laid and warrants had been issued for their arrest.
He said in July 2018, INTERPOL “Red Notices” were published by Interpol referring to the seven as “Fugitives wanted for Prosecution.”
