Fiji : Union leader, academic and two political leaders held in custody
SODELPA Party Leader Sitiveni Rabuka speaking with his lawyer Simione Valenitabua inside the gates of the Totogo Police Station in Suva yesterday. Picture: JOVESA NAISUA
FIJI'S leaders of the Opposition parties, a trade unionist and an academic remained in police custody last night after they were interviewed for comments they uttered during a Dialogue Panel of Discussion earlier in the week.
National Federation Party leader, Professor Biman Prasad, SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka, Fiji Islands Council of Trade Unions general secretary Attar Singh and former politician and academic Dr Tupeni Baba, are alleged to have uttered comments "that could affect the safety and security of all Fijians" during a panel discussion on the 2013 Constitution organised by Pacific Dialogue in Suva on Monday.
Police, in a statement released yesterday afternoon, said they were being interviewed to clarify if the information received was credible.
Mr Singh and Professor Prasad were taken from their homes yesterday while Mr Rabuka surrendered himself to police after being contacted.
They were all questioned at the Central Police Station.
A search warrant was also issued for Professor Prasad's residence and NFP headquarters.
NFP office administrator Kamal Iyer said Professor Prasad's laptop was taken by police.
Attar Singh's lawyer, Raman Pratap Singh, who is also the legal adviser for Professor Prasad said the interview was suspended until today.
He revealed that through the search warrant, police were looking for a circular or documents regarding the forum.
"We will know the next course they are taking tomorrow (today)," Mr Pratap Singh said.
SODELPA general secretary, Adi Litia Qionibaravi last night confirmed that Mr Rabuka was separated from the trio and was taken to the Raiwaqa Police Station for further questioning. Mr Rabuka is represented by lawyer Simione Valenitabua.
When Dr Baba's residence was contacted last night, they referred all matters to police.
"This is a police process conducted when information is received about possible issues that could affect the safety and security of all Fijians which is why this step is being taken merely to eliminate all doubts and concerns that could stem from speculation," police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said in a statement released shortly after the four were taken into custody.