The New Zealand-based Coalition for Democracy in Fiji is pushing for a former senior Fiji military officer to be investigated by New Zealand Police for his role in alleged torture.
The coalition has filed a criminal complaint about alleged torture against Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, who is believed to have arrived in New Zealand this week as part of his regional tour to discuss conditions in Fiji where he faces sedition charges.
Ratu Tevita fled Fiji in May aboard a Tonga navy vessel and was given a Tonga passport following sedition charges against him.
The Coalition’s Nikhil Naidu said the NZ Crimes of Torture Act (1989) provided for prosecution of Ratu Tevita.
“I don’t think this Act’s been tested but it is something that New Zealand has been party to internationally as well,” Naidu told Radio New Zealand.
“So we are asking for the police and government to act, it’s a moral obligation; we are a country that has stood up internationally against these sort of crimes against humanity, this sort of people should not be welcomed to New Zealand and is also should be a message for Fiji as that crimes against the people is not acceptable.”