NFP Lodges Police Complaint

The National Federation Party (NFP) has become the first political party to formally take action over alleged threats made by Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga, lodging a Police complaint this morning.

NFP Assistant General Secretary Apenisa Vatuniveivuke lodged the complaint at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Suva, calling for an urgent criminal investigation.

The complaint follows a Facebook post allegedly made by Manumanunitoga in which he questioned the right of certain Fijians to belong in the country and threatened to catch people and roast them in earth ovens.

NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad condemned the statements as dangerous and potentially criminal, stressing that no Fijian should be made to feel like a foreigner in their own country.

He said respect for Fiji’s traditional chiefs must never be used to justify racial intimidation or threats against fellow citizens.

The party has identified Section 17 of the Public Order Act and Sections 65(2) and 375 of the Crimes Act as provisions it believes warrant investigation.

Vatuniveivuke said the complaint was not intended to suppress freedom of expression but to ensure that threats of violence and racial hostility are treated seriously.

He called on Police to investigate the allegations and pursue appropriate criminal charges if offences are established.

The complaint marks a significant development in the controversy, moving beyond public condemnation to a formal request for criminal investigation.

Under Section 65(2) of the Crimes Act 2009, anyone convicted of inciting communal antagonism or making threatening statements against a community faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.