14 Jan 2010

Fiji regime says it's for people to decide why magistrates were sacked

3:18 pm on 14 January 2010

The head of Fiji's Information Ministry is refusing to explain why three magistrates were sacked, only months after they were hired.

The Fiji President's Office, which is officially the appointing body, has declined to say why the three were dismissed but instead referred inquiries on the matter to the interim attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum has told Radio Australia that he doesn't have to give a reason why they were sacked because that is a decision by the executive.

The Permanent Secretary for Information, Lieutenant Colonel Neumi Leweni, would not give details either but says the ultimate reason is the president wasn't satisfied with the magistrates.

"It is not for anyone to explain the reasons why. It's just that it's been signed by the president and it's been put to effect that their services are no longer required."

Lieutenant Colonel Neumi Leweni says it's for the people of Fiji to decide why the magistrates were sacked.