Fijian Judiciary applauded

Press, 2 October 1987, Page 4

Fijian Judiciary applauded

The Prime Minister, Mr Lange last evening paid tribute to the Chief Justice of Fiji, Sir Timoci Tuivaga, and other members of the Fijian Judiciary during the opening of the 1987 Law Conference in Christchurch. More, than 1000 conference delegates from New Zealand and overseas applauded Mr Lange as he spoke of the determination, strength and character of the Fijian Judiciary who had continued to oppose the military coup.

“I would like to pay tribute to them and all those people who, at a time of great anguish and tension, have held true to their oath and determined

that they will continue to administer justice despite their own position and according to the great tradition of the law,” Mr Lange said. Their position could help bring about a successful outcome of the crisis, Mr Lange told delegates. “If this is to be, it will be because of the strength, character and principles of people skilled in the law who are endowed with confidence and character.”

Mr Lange’s remarks were made soon after the coup leader, Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka, had announced that he had formally revoked Fiji’s 1970 Constitution.