THE Palestinian solidarity movement is calling for greater transparency over the security arrangements surrounding the Israeli Embassy.
Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali, representing the movement, questioned what specific threat had prompted the heightened police presence around the embassy after police confirmed the additional security was provided at the request of the embassy.
Ms Ali said the public had a right to know why additional security measures had been put in place.
“The security arrangements currently in place are unprecedented,” Ms Ali said.
“We believe these resources would be better directed toward serving the needs of Fijians, particularly at a time when many communities continue to express concerns about delays and inadequate responses from the police.
“We call on the Police Commissioner and the Government to explain the necessity of these extraordinary measures.”
She said the Palestinian solidarity movement had also encountered heightened police monitoring during its peaceful gatherings and demonstrations.
Ms Ali claimed participants at vigil gatherings had on some occasions been instructed to stop chanting or remove banners supporting Palestine on “security” and “safety grounds”.
However, she said police had never explained to the movement what specific threat the security measures were intended to address.
“We also strongly reject any suggestion that members of the Palestinian solidarity movement pose a threat to public safety.
“As Fijians, we also have a right to know what specific threat has been identified against the embassy.”
Ms Ali said the movement was not aware of any specific threat against the embassy and questioned why it appeared to have greater security than other embassies that had also been the subject of public protests.
