Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya said she was “shocked” at the attack on an elderly woman in Lautoka, labelling it an “act of cowardness”.
A video of the attack which allegedly showed a security guard beating her as she sat on the road, went viral on social media platforms over the weekend.
“As the minister responsible for the welfare of our older people and beggars, I am shocked at this act of cowardness,” Ms Tabuya said in a statement.
“Abuse of older people and those most vulnerable can have serious consequences both physically and mentally and recovery for them from such incidents may take longer.
“Any form of violence against a person is a human rights violation.
“We all, as the citizens of this beloved nation, have the equal responsibility to raise our voices against any form of violence and protect our senior citizens.
“Please Fiji, let’s stop this act of violence because our culture and values on which Fiji is built does not give us the right to mistreat anyone.
“Just like you and me, our senior citizens and beggars have the right and freedom to live their life free of violence. They need to be respected as they have contributed to shaping Fiji and need our love and care.”
