|
|
Issue No: 837; 11 June 2001
Numerous judges who have proved to be independent of political pressures now face the axe. According to media reports, the Chief Justice has indicated that the contract of Justice John Byrne will not be renewed. Reports also indicate that the CJ wants Justice Nazhat Shameem out of the benches. The Chief Justice, Sir Timoci Tuivaga has written to these judges. It is understood that the CJ informed them that he has lost confidence in them. Byrne and Shameem had sworn affidavits revealing the involvement of the Chief Justice, and Justices Daniel Fatiaki and Michael Scott in advising the now deposed President to dismiss the elected Prime Minister, dissolve the Parliament, and abrogate the Constitution. The affidavits were sworn when Justice Fatiaki denied his involvement in the advice, and challenged the Citizens Constitutional Forum to prove the allegation. The CCF had opted to seek voluntary affidavits, failing which the judges would have been subpoenaed to the court. Earlier, Tuivaga had also written to another judge, Justice Anthony Gates telling him to find another job. The Fiji Law Society has demanded that the Chief Justice tender in his resignation for tarnishing the image of the judiciary in the country. Tuivaga is closely associated with the Speight terrorist group
through his connections to the leader of the terrorists George Speight, as well
as through his deals which saw the dropping of treason charges against his
relative Tevita Bukarau. Charges were dropped when disgraced Police Commissioner
Isikia Savua was cleared of links to the terrorists by a Board headed by
Tuivaga. A senior police office related to Tuivaga is believed to be the
go-between. |
|
People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
