Families Seek Answers on Alleged Torture

Two women whose family members were allegedly tortured during the 2006 coup are seeking how the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) will help them heal from the trauma.

Ruseieli Mua’s brother-in-law, Colonel Metuisela Mua, and Titilia Saurara’s late husband, Kitione Vuataki, were among those seeking answers from the TRC.

Both men were allegedly tortured during the 2006 coup. Colonel Mua was a former Fijian military intelligence officer and politician, serving as director of the Fiji Intelligence Services in 1988. Mr Vuataki, who died in 2020, was a prominent Fijian lawyer based in Lautoka.

The women were among those who attended the commission’s hearing at the Sugar Cane Growers Council Hall in Lautoka yesterday.

The event focused on refining the draft legislation for a commission aimed at addressing historical injustices and fostering national reconciliation.

“Was the violence needed?” asked Ms Mua.

She said her brother-in-law died years ago, and her query reflected the deep-seated desire for understanding and justice.

“How is the TRC going to heal the people of Fiji?” asked Ms Saurara, the first iTaukei woman president of the Nadi Bula Festival Association and Lautoka businesswoman.

Her question highlighted the violence suffered by coup victims and the need for a process that truly addresses their trauma.

“Does the truth and reconciliation have the approval of the Army?” inquired another participant, Lautoka medical practitioner Dr Mukesh Bhagat.

“So far, we do have the support from the Army,” said Assistant Minister for Women Children and Social Services Shashi Kiran.

The draft legislation includes measures to protect the confidentiality of testimonies, ensuring that statements given to the TRC cannot be used for prosecution.

The commission will operate independently and its work is expected to span 18 months.

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