It is important that people feel free to protest and voice their views openly and publicly. That is democracy but with such right comes responsibility to keep the protest peaceful.
Those are the comments of Acting Minister for Home Affairs, Filimoni Vosarogo on the protest march and people’s rally to be led by the Fiji NGO Coalition against the Fukushima treated nuclear wastewater dumping by Japan.
Vosarogo says the organizers of the march know the condition of the permit and he implores on them to ensure that the protest happens peacefully.
He says with the exercise of the right to protest comes greater civic responsibility to maintain peace and tranquility of our nation state.
Vosarogo says the Rabuka Coalition Government had emphasized the importance of respecting opinions of our citizens which includes the right to protest for something that people feel strongly about.
He says the police will monitor the march and their presence is to ensure that those who wish to take part in the march do so with freedom and with the responsibility that comes with such freedom.
The Acting Home Affairs Minister says they will also ensure the safety of those who wish to be part of the march.
Vosarogo adds that after more than a decade where rights, even the right to protest were subverted by the Bainimarama government, citizens are now given the opportunity to express themselves and their opinions without fear. He says in a healthy democracy, strongly held views are given the opportunity to be expressed and the Rabuka led coalition government respects such expression of human right.
Vosarogo says to those who wish to take advantage of this peaceful protest to advance a devious course or even to bring out a criminal intent, make no mistake, our national security personnel are on the ground to monitor the procession.
He says there is no room for criminal minds because those who organize the march have shown their intent to march peacefully, albeit, vocal.
Vosarogo says anyone whose intent might be to cause instability using this peaceful protest can be assured that the long arms of the law will be swift to reach them.
