18 Apr 2012

Fiji has no restrictions on freedom of expression - AG

9:27 am on 18 April 2012

Fiji's interim attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, says his country has no restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum's comment is in response to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group calling on Fiji to restore full respect for human rights, including freedoms of expression and assembly, and access to justice.

The group met in London on Monday, and received an update from the Secretary-General on recent developments in Fiji following her visit there last month.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum told Fiji Live that people in the country and the media know there are no restrictions in place, and an example of this is the political party meetings that have been held.

He added that the new Public Order Amendment Decree provides space to people to discuss issues and it is not there to victimise people.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also said there is unprecedented amount of legal aid in the country and justice is not denied to anyone.

However he said the government has acknowledged CMAG for its support during the constitutional consultation process and for the appointments of members of the Constitutional Commission.