A former Fiji military commander who's in exile in Tonga, says police action against his family back home was always likely, but still cannot be justified.
Lieutenant-Colonel Ratu Tevita Mara says the regime in Fiji traditionally targets the families of those who criticise it, and that is what has happened with his wife and niece being questioned and his aunt's bank account frozen.
Colonel Mara says there is no justification for this violation of human rights, and says it is the action of a regime desperate to cling on to power.
Colonel Mara recently escaped to Tonga after being charged with sedition. He says he has been unable to speak to his wife, but is getting information from friends.
