STATEMENT

The Fiji Police Force is pleading with all Fijians to act responsibly and not to be used by individuals whose sole purpose is to advance their own agendas.

As we have seen during the onset of the second wave of the pandemic in April this year, misinformation had and continues to cause public anxiety and by getting to the truth we are able to ensure innocent Fijians are not easily swayed or caught in a regrettable situation by sharing false and misleading information that they could also be investigated for.

There are many different interpretations of the iTaukei Land Trust (Budget Amendment) Bill 2021 which has caused public anxiety.

The Hon. Lynda Tabuya, Hon. Adi Litia Qionibaravi, Hon. Biman Prasad, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, Hon. Filipe Tuisawau, Mr Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka and Mr Savenaca Narube were questioned in line with Section 15(a) of the Public Order Act 1969.

The Hon. Members, Mr Rabuka and Mr Narube were questioned and released as investigations continues.

Social media posts and rumours that journalists were also brought in for questioning last night are all false.

We will be questioning other people not for the purpose of intimidation as claimed by some, but as a pro-active means to find the truth and not everyone who is brought in for questioning will be charged.

We acknowledge that everyone is entitled to exercise their rights to freedom of speech and expression, but these must be exercised within the ambits of the law which is why we continue to stress that these rights come with great responsibility.

Members of the public will expect increased Police presence in major towns and cities and throughout the country and we will come down hard on any person or group that tries to cause instability and civil unrest.

Fijians are reminded to be responsible citizens and be mindful of what they post or comment as it must be within the ambit of the law.