17 Mar 2009

Home of pro-democracy politician in Fiji attacked

10:59 am on 17 March 2009

Politically-motivated attacks are reportedly on the rise in Fiji, with several high-profile individuals falling victim to vandalism in the past month.

In the latest attack, pro-democracy politician Attar Singh claims he had had rocks thrown at his house and cars at the weekend.

Mr Singh is one of several people, including a lawyer, journalist, newspaper editor and trade unionist, to be subjected to violence and intimidation in Fiji recently after speaking out against the country's military regime.

He has openly criticised Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama over his failure to hold early elections and return the country to democracy following the December 2006 coup.

Mr Singh, who heads the Movement for Democracy, says he was condemned by the Commodore who last week labelled him a "busy body" and said his organisation was a "waste of breath".

Fiji police have refused to comment on why prominent Fijians are being targeted.

But former Fiji Law Society president Graham Leung says it is obvious these "acts of terror" were being perpetrated by those acting on behalf of the interim government.

He says those that are standing and speaking for democracy, human rights and the rule of law are being singled out for this treatment.