1987 Political Offence Immunity List

Fifty-seven people were granted immunity from criminal and civil proceeding for being political offenders in 1987.

On February 8, 1987, then c, under section 25 of the Head of State and Executive Authority of Fiji Decree 1988, granted such an immunity to 45 political offenders and 115 escaped prisoners.

It was called the Grant of Immunity from Criminal Prosecutions and Civil Proceedings to Political Offenders and Escaped Prisoners Decree 1988.

This was part of the Government Gazette.

Twelve more people were added to the list of political offenders on March 14, 1988. This took the total to 57 political offenders being granted immunity.

The term political offenders were given to people charged for offences committed between April 13, 1987 and October 7, 1987.

The offences were deemed directly or indirectly prompted and motivated by the political developments during this period.

Following the Sitiveni Rabuka-led coup on May 14, 1987, there was resistance.

Students from tertiary institutions had organised rallies and there were allegations that some even took it to the extreme by making bombs.

There is record of a bombing that happened on September 27, 1987, where the alleged bombers were late in placing the bomb and it exploded inside a car, killing one and injuring two.

Such people were listed under the schedule of people listed as political offenders.

Political offenders included people who were subject of Police complaints for their actions directly or indirectly prompted and motivated by the political developments in 1987.

On September 22 and 23, 1987, 115 prisoners escaped from the Naboro Prison. They were listed in another schedule and granted immunity also.

List of Political Offenders given immunity:

• Manasa Tora Uluikavaro
• Jona Qio
• Vishwa Nadan
• Manik Raj Reddy
• Daya Nand
• Rusiate Natotobu
• Anil Kumar
• Mohammed Salim
• Kamala Segran Naidu
• Ranjit Singh
• Vishwa Pillay
• Alifereti Fisaitu
• Jone Bati
• Ben Lenion
• Freddy Nauluvula
• Josefa Raiboro
• Dennis Montu
• Sani Pele Nato
• Timoci Waqa
• Tomasi Turagava
• Paula Suka
• Sitiveni Makaba
• Marika Rabaka
• Lasala Korobiau
• Velema Daubitu
• Esala Tuibua
• Apisai Vuniyayawa Tora
• Rajeshwar Singh
• Radha Krishnan
• Indar Jit
• Asaeli Tuivu
• Kiliaoni Naitini
• Sitiveni Kirisimasi
• Filipe Batinibuli
• Etuwate Saurara
• Ulaiasi Vosabalavu
• Paula Kotobalavu
• Atunaisa Tagivava
• Akuila Buli
• Timoci Voce
• Akariva Vuli
• Mafi Suka
• Sitiveni Kurusiga
• Deo Janam
• Param Bir
• Sefanaia Vakacegu
• Setareki Takubu
• Semesa Rokosuka
• Samuela Delai
• Sakeasi Rabaka
• Serevi Vananalagi
• Temo Nasema
• Savenaca Tamaibeka
• Semiti Fifita
• Laisenia Tawake
• Eremasi Roko
• Josateki Delana

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