Baba taken in by police

Issue No: 554; 6 March 2001

 
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Tupeni Baba was yesterday taken in by police and questioned about a meeting which he was attending.

Baba and some members of the People's Coalition Government were waiting for other members of the People's Coalition Government partners to arrive when about 20 police arrived at the scene and took away Baba.

Police claimed that Baba had organised a meeting without a permit. They claimed that Fiji was still ruled by emergency decree and under this a permit was necessary. But later the police changed its story. Today's Fiji Sun quotes the police spokeswoman as saying: "Whether we are in a state of crisis or not, a permit should be obtained".

An earlier gathering of some Fiji Labour Party Members of Parliament to discuss the Fiji Court of Appeal ruling went without any police interference. Only when members of the Fijian Association and other parties began arriving that the police intervene.

Baba was detained at the Suva Police Station for over 2 hours. He was released without being charged.

 

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands
Disclaimer
Webmaster
Last update: August 27, 2001