STAFF and supporters of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) gathered at the organisation’s Gordon St premises in Suva yesterday to protest the opening of the Israeli Embassy in Fiji.
Holding banners and placards, the group voiced its opposition to Israel before police intervened and instructed protesters to stop chanting, citing provisions of the Public Order Act.
FWCC co-ordinator Shamima Ali expressed disappointment over the police action, arguing that the protest was being conducted on private property rather than in a public space.
“They are not allowing us to do that – they are saying that we are a threat to public safety,” Ms Ali said.
She questioned why the gathering was being treated as a security concern.
“One Superintendent of Police is using his powers to tell us that we are a threat to public safety.”
Ms Ali said the group had assembled peacefully to express its opposition to Israel and its actions in Gaza.
“A bunch of men, women, young women, young people, children together are protesting against a murderous country, a country that is committing genocide, is posing a threat to the public of this country.”
The protest comes amid continuing international debate and demonstrations worldwide over the conflict in Gaza and the establishment of diplomatic ties between Fiji and Israel.
