New Zealand Judge, Family Receive Death Threats in Vanuatu

By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

PORT VILA, Vanuatu – A New Zealand judge, who recently reported on the violent nature of Vanuatu’s police force, and his family have received death threats.

The Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF), Vanuatu’s paramilitary force, has threatened the Justice Nevin Dawson, who came to the island in 2008 as part of New Zealand’s effort to provide assistance.

The judge and his family have left the island but according to spokesman Foreign Minister Murray McCully, it was for a vacation.

Although Vanuatu’s Deputy Prime Minister, Sato Kilman, told reporters several weeks ago that they did not think the judge was in danger, the government has attempted to increase the security as his residence.

As a result of the threats, a security-guard has been assigned to guard the judge’s home, throughout the day and including overnight protection.  Dawson and his family have changed their daily routines, stopped using public transportation, and even stopped dining out for fear that they would be poisoned.  This is a “favourite way of getting rid of problems” according to one observer.

Last year, a man was recaptured and beaten to death after escaping from prison, during an interrogation by the VMF.  Justice Dawson issued a report on his death, which revealed that members of Vanuatu’s police force were in serious violation of human rights and the rule of law.  The report caused many to question the role of the paramilitary force, which could also have a potentially damaging effect on Vanuatu’s political stability.

In addition, Dawson reported that the VMF had attempted to prevent him from revealing any further information through intimidation and death threats.  For instance, one VMF officer stalked Dawson at his home.

Dawson is nearing the end of his two year term on the island.  During the first threat to his safety, which occurred at the end of last year, he was offered the opportunity to leave the island, but chose to stay.

A representative from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that the threats to Judge Dawson’s life were taken with “utmost seriousness”.

“There have been threats made against him and his family and we have had concerns about their safety for some time.”

The Vanuatu government finally responded to the report that initiated these events earlier this week.  Mr. Kilman said that it had respected the rule of law and that the police force had a responsibility to recapture the prison escapee, who was causing fear in the community.  He did not, however, respond to Dawson’s allegations that the senior members of the VMF committed perjury during the inquiry.

That incident is still being discussed within the Vanuatu government.

In the meantime, officials will also discuss whether the current security for the judge and his family is adequate.

For more information please see:
Radio New Zealand International – Vanuatu coroner leaves country after threats – 06 April 2010

Stuff – NZ judge leaves Vanuatu amid death threats – 06 April 2010

Sunday Star Times – New death threats to NZ judge, family – 06 April 2010

Author: Impunity Watch Archive