[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [INTERNATIONAL]

2 clusters · 3 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

Fijian political and legal developments

Overview

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has faced legal challenges regarding a Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, which the High Court declared null and void. The court ruled that work conducted after January 31, 2025, was ‘ultra vires’ because the president lacked the authority to extend the inquiry’s term. This legal setback is linked to disputes over the dismissal of former FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali, which the court previously found unlawful. Rabuka has indicated he will resign if his appeal against the quashing of the COI report is unsuccessful.

In a separate context regarding democratic discourse, Rabuka has urged citizens to use their freedom of expression responsibly. He emphasized that while democracy permits holding leaders to account, discourse should avoid bullying or the intent to cause harm. He noted that his coalition government repealed the Media Industry Development Act (MIDA) in 2023 to restore free reporting and public speech.

Entities

Sitiveni Rabuka · Fiji · Rotorua Lakes Council · High Court of Fiji · Barbara Malimali

Timeline

  1. 11 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Sitiveni Rabuka urges Fijians to use freedom of expression responsibly

    Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka urged citizens to use their freedom of expression responsibly, emphasizing that democracy involves accepting criticism and protecting the right to disagree.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Fiji PM Rabuka to appeal High Court ruling on inquiry report

    Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka will appeal a High Court ruling that voided a Commission of Inquiry report, stating he will resign if the appeal is unsuccessful.

Sources

asiapacificreport.nz · eveningreport.nz · radiofree.org