Not approved: Police refuse constitution protest permit

The Fiji Police Force has refused a permit application for a public march against the 2013 constitution on August 21, citing security concerns.

Organisers say this is a serious attack on human rights and democracy.

In a letter dated August 15, Divisional Police Commander Central, Ruci Nasemira, confirmed that the application from lawyer and activist Niko Nawaikula had been declined following a “security assessment.”

“Please be advised that due to the security assessment provided for the above, your request for the public procession on the 21st day of August, 2025 is therefore not approved,” the letter stated.

But Nawaikula, who is president of Stand with Niko Advocacy and organiser of the march, hit back strongly.

“We categorically reject this justification. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy,” he said.

“It is a fundamental human right protected under Fiji’s own Constitution, including under sections that guarantee freedom of expression, assembly, and association.”

He said the denial was “a painful return to the alarming pattern of past years where dissenting voices and civil society actors are systematically silenced.”

The march was intended to raise opposition to what Nawaikula described as the “imposed, racist and illegitimate” 2013 Constitution of Fiji.

He said it failed to protect iTaukei rights once safeguarded under the 1970 and 1997 constitutions, including recognition of the Great Council of Chiefs, customary laws, group rights, and land protections.

Citing international standards, Nawaikula pointed to findings of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 2012, which warned that failure to uphold such protections could constitute racism under international law.

“Suppressing peaceful activism does not bring security; it fuels alienation and tension,” he said.

“Fiji cannot claim to be a democracy while shutting down legitimate public expression on critical national issues.”

Despite the setback, SWN Advocacy says it will continue its campaign.

“Our struggle is peaceful, principled, and unwavering — and it will go on,” Nawaikula said. “Our voice will not be silenced.”

The group has invited members of the public to a Talanoa Session on the 2013 Constitution at the FTA Hall, Suva, on Thursday, August 21, from 11am to 1pm.