Controversy Erupts after Tabuya Call for Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers

Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has sparked controversy by advocating for the death penalty for drug traffickers.

Speaking at her ministry's headquarters, Ms Tabuya argued Fiji's role as a transit point for illicit drugs warrants the harshest penalties to deter traffickers.

However, her stance has been met with criticism from various quarters.

Ms Tabuya pointed out that Fiji is increasingly vulnerable because of its proximity to larger drug markets. Ms Tabuya said: "We're a transit point for bigger developed countries.

What do we do to protect our borders and our people from these harmful drugs?"

Citing the example of Singapore, which imposes the death penalty for trafficking large quantities of drugs, she stressed the need for Fiji to consider similar measures.

“We need to claim our borders, our sovereignty, and send a message to all drug traffickers and lords,” the minister added.

Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, countered Ms Tabuya’s proposal, arguing for a more humane and comprehensive approach to combating drug trafficking.

He emphasised the importance of modernising the Police force and enhancing international cooperation.

“These strategies represent a holistic approach to addressing drug trafficking and related crimes through stronger institutions, better resources, and international collaboration, which are likely to yield more sustainable results,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

He further noted that the death penalty could undermine these efforts by ignoring the root causes of drug trafficking.

Human rights activists also voiced opposition.

Dr Shaista Shameem, former Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, condemned the death penalty as a cruel and degrading punishment that denies individuals the opportunity for rehabilitation.

She recalled how Fiji abolished the death penalty for treason in 1979, following unanimous parliamentary support.

“The death penalty was abolished after parliamentarians, including religious groups, agreed it was not the solution to any crime, even treason,” Dr Shameem said, adding that any call for its reinstatement should be approached with sensitivity and compassion.

The Fiji Law Society also weighed in, pointing out that the death penalty is not included in the Constitution and that any move to reintroduce it would face significant legal hurdles.

The death penalty was outlawed for all crimes in Fiji in 2015, and the 2013 Constitution prohibits its use.

Fiji’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) in 2015 further complicates any attempt to reintroduce the death penalty.

UNCAT mandates a global prohibition on torture and related practices, and Fiji’s commitment to these principles has been reinforced through enhanced training programmes for its security forces.

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