A senior academic at the University of the South Pacific has raised stark questions about Fiji’s moral and legal standards as investigations into the death of Vakarisi continue.
Head of Journalism, Dr Shailendra Singh, says while the facts surrounding the case remain unclear, the issue confronting the country goes beyond the details of one incident.
“Investigations into the Vakarisi death are still underway and the facts are not yet established. That does not change the question facing Fiji: does Fiji condone murder and torture?” he said.
Dr Singh said the matter should not only concern authorities, but every citizen.
“It is not just a question for the nation, but for every individual: Do you support and excuse murder and torture?” he asked.
He noted that public reactions to the case suggest some may justify violence under certain circumstances, particularly given allegations surrounding the deceased.
“Some of us clearly do in certain circumstances, especially in this case, where the deceased, an accused drug lord and gangster, allegedly inflicted torture on others,” Dr Singh said.
However, he warned that such thinking undermines the very principles that define a lawful society.
“This case has revealed how far behind we still are in understanding the evilness of torture and murder, which are as unbiblical as it gets, the sanctity of life and human rights, and the importance of due process and the rule of law,” he said.
Dr Singh stressed that abandoning these principles risks eroding Fiji’s democratic foundations.
“If we too apply gangster standards, then as a nation and as a people, we are no better than the deceased, because we support and apply the same methods. We are a gangster nation and a failed state,” he said.
He reiterated that while investigations must be allowed to run their course, the ethical questions raised are immediate and critical.
“It’s important to remember that the facts are still under investigation and much remains uncertain, but the principle at stake is very urgent and couldn’t be clearer,” Dr Singh said.
