‘Every coup was worse’ — Trade union leader tells of fear, arrests and abuse

Taken from his home in the middle of the night. Driven to unknown places. Arrested without reason.

These were just some of the realities faced by trade unionists during Fiji’s years of political upheaval, as the country’s democratic space shrank and fear took hold.

Speaking before the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) in Lautoka, veteran union leader Felix Anthony revealed a long history of intimidation and abuse linked to his stand for workers’ rights and democracy.

“Since 1987, when the first coup took place, every coup after that was just worse than the last”

“The level of intimidation, the violation of rights and the violence that we had to face,” he said.

Mr Anthony, who has been part of the trade union movement since 1982, said unions were among the few voices that continued to speak out when many others remained silent.

But that came at a cost.

He told the commission he was arrested several times without explanation.

“I got arrested for five times, all for nothing. I didn’t know why I was taken,” he said.

The fear was not only physical. He described constant surveillance and threats that created a tense and unsafe environment for his family.

With limited legal protection at the time, Mr Anthony said there was little help within the country.

Despite this, he remained firm in his mission.

“My personal safety doesn’t come first, I’m there to represent the people,” he said.

He stressed that the fight for rights goes beyond race or group.

“When we talk about human rights, there is no race there is only one race, and that is the human race.”

Mr Anthony noted that his testimony highlights the risks faced by those who stood up for democracy and rights, and why protecting freedom of expression and civic space remains important today.

The FTRC, set up to examine past political crises, continues to provide a platform for survivors to share their stories as part of national healing and reconciliation efforts.