By Cindy Trinh
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

SUVA, Fiji – Fiji’s coup leaders have given themselves immunity. President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has approved a decree giving full immunity to those involved with the 2006 coup, and also for the coup in 2000 and the attempted mutiny at the Fiji army barracks also in 2000.

The decree states that absolute and unconditional immunity will be granted to the interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, his predecessor, Jona Senilagakali, and a former president Ratu Josefa Iloilo, who last year abrogated the constitution.

It extends the immunity from criminal or civil prosecution to members of the military, police and prison service, and all others acting under official orders.

The decree says, however, that those who have already been found guilty of crimes will not be given immunity.

The immunity will apply to a list of prescribed political events, starting with the purported civilian takeover of the government in May of 2000 and the attempted mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth barracks also in 2000. It will also cover the government take-over in 2006, and the abrogation of the constitution.

The president of the Fiji Law Society, Dorsami Naidu, says a government decree giving coup leaders immunity from prosecution shows that those in power think they are above the law.

He stated: “This decree basically does away with all actions, or all events that may have occurred, or that may be before a court or tribunal or any body which would be seeking any form of damages, compensation, or any claim against the present regime.”

Naidu believes that the decree makes a “mockery of the regime’s claim that the judiciary is independent.”

Other political exiles in New Zealand says the decree may be the price Fiji has to pay for free elections in the future.

Ruth Hill, correspondent for Radio New Zealand International reported: “A spokesperson for the Auckland-based Coalition of Democracy in Fiji, Nik Naidu, says the decree will allow the regime to literally get away with murder in some cases. Many military personnel have never faced charges for extra-judicial killings. This decree gives total immunity to all involved with the coup in 2000, an attempted mutiny later that year, the last coup in 2006, and scrapping the constitution last year. Mr Naidu says he believes those behind the illegal coup will never give up power unless they’re given immunity.”

For more information, please see:
Pacific Islands News Association – Fiji’s coup leaders give themselves immunity – 09 April 2010

Radio New Zealand International – Belief that immunity for coup leaders may be price that Fiji has to pay – 09 April 2010

Radio New Zealand International – Law society says Fiji coup leaders think they are above the law – 09 April 2010

Radio New Zealand International – Fiji’s coup leaders give themselves immunity – 09 April 2010