Public celebration of Nasilasila’s release sparks outrage

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) coordinator Shamima Ali has criticised the public nature of the release of former Fiji 7s rep, Amenoni Nasilasila, labelling it “a dangerous message” to the public and to survivors of sexual violence.

Mr Nasilasila, who was convicted of rape in 2019, was released this week after completing his minimum non-parole period of six years, and has returned to his home in Namatakula, Nadroga.

In a statement issued following his release, the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) commended members of the community for completing the first step in the reintegration process by “accepting their son back with open arms.”

"Villagers ran onto the road to greet the FCS party made up of officers from Naboro and the Assistant Commissioner Operations, Alevio Turaga and OC Minimum, ASC Atu Maiono," the statement read.

The traditional ceremony of returning Nasilasila back to his vanua, was conducted in the village hall attended by family, villagers and both the Ratu FIlise rugby union and rugby league team.

However, the celebration surrounding Mr Nasilasila’s return has drawn strong criticism from women’s rights advocates, who said it glorified a convicted rapist and undermined efforts to combat gender based violence.

“While we believe in rehabilitation and second chances, the way Mr Nasilasila’s release has been glorified sends out a very dangerous message for the crime he committed,” Ms Ali said. “It causes further trauma to the survivor and signals to others that rape is treated with impunity in Fiji.”

Ms Ali said Fiji had one of the highest rates of violence against women and girls, and rape remained one of the most underreported crimes in the country.

She said public celebrations, which included photos and videos of Nasilasila dancing alongside FCS officers and villagers, contradicted the National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls, which emphasised a survivor-centered and “do no harm” approach.

“This could have been done quietly, as with other prisoners,” she said. “Instead, we saw public glorification. It tells rape survivors that their trauma doesn’t matter. It sends the wrong message to young men in a rugby-loving nation.”

Ms Ali also criticised the perceived double standard, noting that other released prisoners do not receive similar public treatment.

“We have seen many people reintegrated after serving sentences, but because he’s a celebrated rugby player, his release was publicised and celebrated. That sets a terrible example for our youth.”

Meanwhile, Great Council of Chiefs chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula urged the public to “ease off” on the matter, calling for restraint and empathy toward all parties involved. “We should let him reunite quietly with his family,” Ratu Viliame said.

“If the victims are unhappy, it’s understandable given the publicity. We just need to tone it down and let him move on with his life.”

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