By Cindy Trinh
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

SUVA, Fiji – The Fiji Democracy and Freedom Movement, based in Australia, has expressed its concern about a former parliamentarian, Peceli Rinakama, who has not been seen in almost a week.

Reports from Fiji say the whereabouts of Rinakama are unknown. He was reportedly seized by the military and it is not know where he has been taken.

Attempts to get information from the interim government have been unsuccessful. The military and the interim government have declined to comment on the matter.

During the recent trial of eight men accused of plotting to kill the Fiji Prime Minister, a witness stated that Rinakama was gathering ex-military personnel for the case.

Rinakama was accused of being involved in the plot back in 2007, when the conspirators were first arrested. However, Rinakama was released and the charges against him were dropped. The other conspirators were recently convicted.

As Rinkama’s whereabouts remain unknown, a representative from the Fiji Democracy and Freedom Movement, Usaia Peter Waqatairewa, has accused the interim regime of failing to guarantee the safety of its citizens.

Wagatairewa states: “We are very concerned that this politician has disappeared for five days going on to six days now, and we have not had any word from anybody.”

He further expressed his concerns about the military’s actions. He stated: “They can’t guarantee the safety of the people. This regime has failed in its duty as the government of Fiji under the International Declaration of Human Rights to guarantee the safety of its citizens.”

For more information, please see:
Solomon Star – No trace of Fiji politician Rinakama seized by military – 11 March 2010

Radio New Zealand International – As Fiji regime stays silent, concern grows over politician seized by soldiers – 11 March 2010

Radio New Zealand International – Fiji Freedom Movement concerned about politician not seen for six days – 11 March 2010

Radio New Zealand International – No trace of Fiji politician Rinakama seized by military – 10 March 2010