Fiji Reinstates Public Emergency Regulation

On 6 September, 2007 the government of Fiji moved to reinstate the Public Emergency Regulation for the first time since its invocation on 5 December 2006 at the beginning of the coup.  The Bainimarama has stated that this was a precautionary measure taken in response to "some inciting public statements" made by former PM Laisenia Qarase.  Qarase has been the target of several economic and rhetorical attacks from the government since his return to Suva last week.  Neither Qarasse nor any member of his SDL party has spoken directly too the media about the resurrection of the PER. 

The interim attorney-general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum,  has also come to his governments defense, by insisting that the international community should not be too harsh in criticizing Fiji.  He went on to say that Australia and New Zealand have been misrepresenting the state of affairs in Fiji for some time by issuing unwarranted travel advisories.  He was also quick to remind all the world that no state of formal state of emergency had been declared and that martial law had not been imposed.  Apart from the exaggerations of foreigners, he says, life continues as normal for Fijians.

With the PER in place the interim government is authorized to restrict the use of public roads, waterways or any public area; prohibit public gatherings; prohibit the manufacture and sale of banners, flags, and uniforms; impose a curfew; regulate access to weaponry; detain any person for a period of twenty-four hours to one week at the discretion of a magistrate. 

The situation has created backlash from all corners of the international community.  On 7 September the European Union decried the resuscitation  of the PER saying, that it appeared to be precisely counter to what the interim government's stated goals of less than a year ago during the coup. The EU also questioned what pressing matter of national security, public order or safety has occurred that might inspire this stunning reversal of policy.   The United States government issued a similar statement saying that the PER questioned the state's commitment to human rights, civil liberties and democratic rule. 

New Zealand, with whom relations have been particularly chilly of late, has said through Foreign Minister Winston Peters that "It appears the administration has no intention of permitting the kind of legitimate freedom of expression and respect for human rights that underpin genuine democracy."  The government has also called for a meeting between its Acting High Commissioner and Fijian officials to seek an explanation for reinstating the PER. 

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International - Fiji interim attorney-general says no State of Emergency in place - 10 September 2007
Fijilive - AG defends state of emergency - 9 September 2007
Pacific Magazine - Fiji: "Shattering the Fragile Peace" - 8 September 2007
Pacific Magazine - EU Says Fiji Regulations Not Justified - 7 September 2007
New Zealand Government Website - Peters condemns return to state of emergency - 6 September 2007
Radio New Zealand International - EU and USA criticise emergency regulations in Fiji - 6 September 2007