The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre’s stance on convicted rapists Amenoni Nasilasila and Nacanieli Labalabala participation at national rugby tournaments have been heavily criticised on social media by “women who think they should be given a chance”.
This, according to centre co-ordinator Shamima Ali while speaking at the International Women’s Day celebration at the Fiji Museum in Suva yesterday.
“Unfortunately, on social media, we have been lambasted so much from women who are supporting them (Nasilasila and Labalabala) and giving them a chance,” she said.
“What about a chance to the women who were raped.”
She called on authorities to hear the pleas of women rights activists and remove the two from national rugby tournaments. “Do not support rapists, they can be our brothers, sons or husbands.
“Let’s stand together in not allowing convicted rapists to play at the national level, they can play in prison because there is where they belong, not outside there where women are suffering.”
She said the two convicted rapists had not served one third of their term but were now participating in national rugby tournaments.
Questions sent to the Fiji Corrections Service last month and on Monday remain unanswered.
