28 Feb 2011

Fiji regime has no response to beating of former politician

2:26 pm on 28 February 2011

Fiji's interim regime is not responding to inquries about the detention and beating of a former government minister Samisoni Tikonisau.

Fiji's miltary has referred inquiries to the information ministry.

An official with the ministry says there has been no response from the relevant authorities and it did not have any statement on the matter.

Samisoni Tikonisau, a former Cabinet minister of the deposed Qarase government, was detained at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks for three days last week.

Mr Tikonisau, also known as Sam Speight, says during an interrogration, he was constantly questioned about a DVD circulating in Fiji from a group in Australia seeking to restore democracy in Fiji.

Amnesty International says it has grave concerns for the safety of activists and government critics in Fiji and the human rights situation in Fiji is worsening.