18 Apr 2005

Fiji's military commander says early release of two jailed MPs undermines rule of law

6:51 am on 18 April 2005

Fiji's military commander says the early release of two jailed government MPs has grossly undermined the country's judiciary.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama's comment follows the release of the former minister for lands, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and government senator Ratu Josefa Dimuri after 11 days of an 8-month sentence for coup related offences.

Commodore Bainimarama says Fiji can only move forward if it has the desire to get rid of corruption in the leadership of the country.

He has called all those who had a hand in the releases, including the chiefs involved, to withdraw from standing in the next general election.

Commodore Bainimarama says like the release of the former vice president Seniloli, the release of the two chiefs makes a mockery of the military, the police and the justice system.

He says Fiji's children are getting a very strong message that criminal acts are condoned and that it is OK to break the law as long as one can get away with it.