The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) believes the Pacific Islands Forum meeting should also focus on the deteriorating state of democracy in Fiji.
The 51st forum meeting will continue in the coming months with the forum chair leading virtual dialogues with civil society, the private sector, forum dialogue partners and other regional organisations.
A forum leaders retreat was held last week Friday and an in-person leaders retreat is planned for Fiji in January 2022.
FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry claimed the deteriorating state of democracy in Fiji related to individual human rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association.
“We refer in particular to the recent spate of arrests and detentions of opposition leaders by the Fiji police for criticising the manner in which the FF Government had rushed Bill No. 17 on iTaukei lands through Parliament,” said Mr Chaudhry.
Among those taken in and questioned by police were two former prime ministers, Sitiveni Rabuka and Mr Chaudhry, the SODELPA leader Viliame Gavoka, NFP leader Biman Prasad and the leader of Unity Fiji party Savenanca Narube.
SODELPA MPs Lynda Tabuya and Niko Nawaikula were also taken in for questioning.
Mr Chaudhry said each of the leaders and MPs were taken in for questioning on three or four different occasions over two weeks.
“Most saw it as nothing but harassment and intimidation.
“The opposition’s right to freely question Government on matters of national importance must be respected in a democracy.”
