THE National Federation Party (NFP) and Fiji Labour Party (FLP) are calling for legal accountability over alleged racist threats made by Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga on social media.
NFP leader Professor Biman Prasad described Mr Manumanunitoga’s Facebook statements, which included threats to “catch” people and “roast” them in “earth ovens”, as racial hatred accompanied by threats of violence.
He called on the Fiji Police Force to investigate immediately and lay criminal charges if the evidence established an offence.
“This is racial hatred accompanied by threats of horrific violence,” Prof Prasad said.
“It is absolutely reprehensible that such language should come from the general secretary of an organisation representing teachers, who are entrusted with educating our children and shaping the values of future generations.”
He said Indo-Fijians should not have to defend their right to belong in Fiji.
“Mr Manumanunitoga must understand that Indo-Fijians are not foreigners in this country. We are not guests, and we are not here on anyone’s sufferance.”
Professor Prasad said the NFP’s assistant general secretary, Apenisa Vatuniveivuke, would lodge a complaint at Totogo Police Station on Friday.
The party said the statements warranted investigation under provisions of the Public Order Act 1969 and Crimes Act 2009 relating to racial antagonism and criminal intimidation.
FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry also condemned the social media post, saying it appeared to breach Section 17 of the Public Order Act and Section 24 of the Online Safety Act.
He said the remarks had angered both Indo-Fijians and iTaukei, who had stood together to reject them.
“Further to this, he must also face legal consequences,” Mr Chaudhry said.
