From left: Fiji Trades Union Congress national vice-president Semisi Turagabaleti, FTUC national treasurer Agni Deo Singh, FTUC national secretary Felix Anthony, FTUC vice-president Latieta Gaga, FTUC president Daniel Urai and observer Rajeshwar Singh during the FTUC press conference at their headquarters in Suva on February 23, 2018. Photo: Ashna Kumar
The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) will apply for a permit to march in Suva this April.
FTUC national secretary Felix Anthony made the statement after the permit application to march today in Suva was rejected by the Fiji Police Force due to pending investigations on Thursday.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions released a statement yesterday which stated that the Director of Public Prosecution Christopher Pryde has decided that no charges would be laid against trade unionist, Mr Anthony.
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Mr Anthony was arrested by police and interviewed under caution on January 24.
This was in regard to comments he allegedly made in a speech to a crowd of people at the Nadi District School after a march through Nadi town in support of striking Air Terminal Services workers on January 13.
The police file was sent to the DPP for an assessment of the evidence and a decision on whether any charges should be laid.
Mr Pryde said, “following a review of the police docket and the evidence, it is our opinion that the alleged comments do not constitute any offence that would support criminal charges against Mr Anthony and therefore the docket has been returned to police.”
The FTUC held a press conference at its headquarters in Suva yesterday where Mr Anthony said investigations on any individual should not deny workers of Fiji, their constitutional right to march, to protest or their freedom of speech.
“I did say yesterday that the excuse given by the Police was a ‘lame excuse’ to stop us from marching tomorrow (Saturday),” Mr Anthony said.
“We believe that decision was wrong, misconceived and unfair to the workers of this country.
“We are more concerned than disappointed that we cannot march tomorrow (Saturday) because of the denial of our rights.
“Trades unions are here to stay in this country and the workers of the country are determined to ensure that we don’t only stay, but we will grow and grow stronger.
“The fact that the permit was rejected makes our resolve to march on Saturday even stronger.
“Our determination to ensure that we continue this fight for workers rights in this country is stronger and we are determined to see that we get the rights of the workers in Fiji that they deserve by virtue of their birth.
“Workers’ rights are human rights and we will continue to stand for that.”
Edited by Percy Kean
Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj
