Fiji police question USP staff, probes gathering on campus

USP Laucala campus students rally for good governance. Picture: USPSA

By WANSOLWARA STAFF

TWO staff members at The University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus were called in, apparently for questioning, by officers from the Fiji Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Suva today.

According to FBC News, police had started an investigation into the public gathering of USP staff and students with Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho stating they were looking at possible breaches of COVID-19 restrictions.

Officers from the Fiji Police Force were also monitoring solidarity movements at USP’s Laucala campus over the past week where concerned staff and students showed their support for suspended Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia, holding placards calling for good governance, accountability and transparency.

USP’s Acting VC Professor Derrick Armstrong said they were made aware of an incident where a staff was approached by the Fiji Police for questioning.

He said they were seeking an urgent appointment with the Commissioner of Police for further clarification.

It is understood USP librarian Elizabeth Reade Fong and USP Staff Union general secretary Ilima Finiasi were questioned by CID, but it is not known what they were being questioned over.

Mrs Fong clarified in media reports that staff and students were not protesting but were standing in solidarity and support for the suspended VC.

The questioning of USP staff members had garnered reactions from the public including the National Federation Party.

NFP president Pio Tikoduadua claims the questioning of USP staff by police was a prelude to many others being questioned under the pretext of COVID-19 regulations and Public Order Act after their massive show of support for Prof Ahluwalia.

“We deplore police for using COVID-19 social distancing restrictions to harass and intimidate USP staff and students. This is ridiculous and nonsense when no social distancing is being practised in supermarkets, municipal markets, buses and other public transport, restaurants, malls and on the streets,” he said in a statement today.

The Fiji Trades Union Congress also issued a statement, urging the USP Council to expeditiously address the concerns of the USP Students Association and ensure that the students were protected.

FTUC national secretary Felix Anthony said the USPSA had every right to raise concerns and protest peacefully.

He said the Public Order Act or the COVID19 restrictions must not be used to deny fundamental rights.