Transcript
SITIVENI RABUKA: At the moment, some of them, who want to have family gatherings with people like me involved would probably have to get a permit. My own village had a fund-raising bazaar for the church, they were asked to please obtain a permit because I was going to be in attendance. So if the changes happen, then people will start to feel that environment of freedom coming back into their lives and communal lives.
KORO VAKA'UTA: You've mentioned that it could be contributing to the assaults, the kind of controversies that we have had in custody, the excessive force, how does this situation, how can you attribute that to this?
SR: Well it affects both sides of law enforcement. The enforcers of the law or those who execute the law and try and administer the rules on the people, will both be affected. People will be responsive to them and they will know that they are just part of the community and act accordingly.
KV: Because you have said that this decree seems to authorise whatever force necessary to enforce public order.
SR: All laws in all countries state that, whatever is necessary to execute the duty of the enforcement or maintenance of law and order. That is, the onus, the proof, that this is observed to the very minimum level so that the execution of the law enforcement agency's duty are achieved.
KV: But you do think that this is part of the problem? These continued allegations of assault of people in custody, that sort of thing?
SR: It will alleviate the division between the people and those that administer the law. It will allow them time to re-orientate their lives so that they understand they are still part of the same community and they both live under the same laws and rules.
KV: You have mentioned this decree has conferred upon the military the power to perform police functions.
SR: I am concerned about that because I remember the time when the Commissioner of Police had to specifically ask for military assistance for a specific event uncontrollable by the police, riot going on, they can ask for military assistance and it [was] the security committee of that time that had to decide and the legislative assembly or the parliament called to assemble immediately to sanction the deployment of military forces in assistance, in aid of the civil authority.
KV: So does there need to be a clearer demarcation between the military and the police?
SR: There has got to be a clear demarcation and also a clear procedure for the military to take on police roles.
KV: What does SODELPA and yourself want? What needs to be done now?
SR: It needs changes and we can only recommend it and it is up to parliament to do it, or not do it.
