By Sarah E. Treptow
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

SUVA, Fiji – Kerosene bombs aimed at the homes of two high-profile Fiji men were designed to kill, report police.  The bombings are believed to be linked to a series of attacks against individuals who have spoken out against Fiji’s interim government.  Bombs were thrown at the homes of a former senior army officer, Colonel Sakiusa Raivoce, and the Fiji Times editor-in-chief, Netani Rika.  Mr. Rika said three home-made bombs in beer bottles filled with kerosene were thrown at his house windows in Nasese, marking the second attack on his property in less than two weeks.

Fiji’s Rewa Provincial council is asking those involved in the politically motivated vandalism to consider the consequences of their actions.  The Rewa High Chief, Ro Teimumu Kepa, said, “We’ve heard that some are saying they’re just carrying out orders.  But these orders have been given to people who are supposed to have brains and they should think twice about the orders that are given to them and think of the consequences that might happen.”  She says the freedom to speak out is provided for in the Fiji constitution, a document the miliary and interim government say is still intact.

Mr. Rika has said the attacks will not stop the Fiji Times from speaking out against the interim government.  He said, “There is a time to speak out and I think there’s a time to speak out responsibly.  I think we have done that, we will continute to do that.  It’s unfortunate that the people who have different views do not use the newspaper to make these views known and continue to move around under the cover of darkness to attack innocent people.”

The interim government will meet on Tuesday to discuss whether or not security should be provided for these civilian targets.  Interim Defence Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau has said police will not be provided for security unless it is specifically requested or if it is deemed absolutely necessary.

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International – Molotov cocktail attacks in Fiji on homes of high profile individuals – 22 March 2009

Radio New Zealand International – Rewa Council in Fiji urges politically motivated vandals to consider consequences – 23 March 2009

Radio New Zealand International – Fiji Times editor vows to continue his work – 23 March 2009

Fiji Times – State in conflict over security concerns – 23 March 2009