Fiji’s Acting Attorney-General, Siromi Turaga, has accused *The Fiji Times* of misrepresenting his statements about the death penalty during a recorded interview. In the conversation, Mr. Turaga indicated that while some individuals advocate for the death penalty, it contradicts democratic values such as the right to life. He recounted a visit to Singapore where discussions occurred about national consensus on the issue. Mr. Turaga emphasized that any decision should involve the government and community stakeholders, including church leaders and NGOs, to ensure societal balance.
Mr. Turaga later clarified that his statements were misinterpreted, underlining that the Coalition Government does not intend to reintroduce the death penalty. He suggested that the term “maximum sentence” would be more appropriate than “death penalty.” Despite this, *The Fiji Times* upholds the accuracy of their report, claiming the recorded interview supports their coverage.
The controversy emerges after Lynda Tabuya, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, made a contentious call for the death penalty, leading to criticism from figures like former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry. Chaudhry criticized her for making statements without Cabinet approval.
Through his clarification, Mr. Turaga seeks to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to democratic ideals and constitutional rights, distancing from any suggestion of reintroducing the death penalty. This incident underscores the critical need for precise communication of sensitive topics to preserve public trust and uphold democratic values.