Fiji Roundup: Court opinion on Constitution, upcoming India defence ties, Hindu statue thefts

Supreme Court to issue opinion on 2013 Constitution on August 29

The Supreme Court will deliver its opinion on Friday regarding questions raised by the Cabinet on the interpretation and application of amendment provisions in Fiji’s 2013 Constitution. These questions include whether the amendment and transitional provisions of the 2013 Constitution are binding and if they can ever be altered. The high court will also rule on questions raised by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka about the process for constitutional amendments, including whether a referendum and special majority are required.

Ex-Fiji PM, police chief to testify in court

Former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and ex-Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho are set to take the stand as defence witnesses tomorrow at the Suva High Court. Bainimarama faces one count of making unwarranted demands, while Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office. Prosecutors allege both men influenced disciplinary actions against police officers. Defence lawyers said they will not file a no-case-to-answer application.

India to open defence wing in Suva 

India will establish a defence wing at its High Commission in Suva as part of efforts to strengthen defence and security cooperation with Fiji. The initiative, announced during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to New Delhi, includes the appointment of a defence attaché, maritime security support, training, equipment, and the creation of a cybersecurity training cell in Fiji. In a joint statement, Prime Ministers Rabuka and Narendra Modi reaffirmed a shared commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific. Rabuka said the cooperation will help protect Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone, while Indian officials noted the focus remains on capacity building and maritime security.

Police probe motive behind Hindu statue thefts in Nadi

Police are investigating the theft of Hindu religious statues in Nadi, with five cases reported on Friday. Officers said the motive behind the incidents is too early to confirm at this stage and will be determined following the investigation. Three cases occurred in Korociri where five statues and a clay lamp were stolen, while separate incidents were reported in Nakurakura and Sagayam Road. 

Hindu federation concerned by vandalism of Hindu figures in Fiji

The World Hindu Federation (Pacific) has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep concern over recent vandalism and thefts at Hindu temples and homes in Nadi, including the removal of sacred statues and Shivlings. Federation President Sunil Kumar said these repeated attacks have caused widespread distress within the Hindu community and questioned whether the current political climate under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emboldened such behaviour. The Federation has called on Modi to ask Rabuka how his government intends to safeguard the sanctity of religious sites and to explain the measures in place to protect the Hindu minority.