Removing immunity requires careful assessment: PM Rabuka

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says removing immunity for coup perpetrators from the Constitution could prevent future coups, but requires careful assessment.

Speaking at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing on Friday, Mr Rabuka was asked if immunity removal would deter similar incidents.

"There may be a way. There should be a very objective assessment of what can be done," he said.

The Prime Minister noted immunity clauses exist in both the 1997 and 2013 Constitutions, upheld by the Supreme Court opinion.

He said constitutional amendments on this issue should be left to the people's will.

"There are certain things that we cannot do unless we all agree, leave the amendment to the Constitution open to the people. At the moment, our hands are tied," Mr Rabuka said.

The TRC is mandated to recommend measures preventing future political upheavals.

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