Pacific / Fiji

Probe launched into claims of online attacks in Fiji

16:02 pm on 7 August 2020

Fiji's Online Safety Commission and the Police Cyber Crime Unit are investigating complaints from people claiming they have been attacked on social media.

Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins

The latest complaint was against those allegedly posting comments against a rape victim over views relating to convicted rapist and former Fiji rugby star Amenoni Nasilasila.

A man has been accused of calling for the victim to be raped again.

Online Safety Commissioner Anne Baleilevuka said the woman had spoken out against the former rugby international receiving preferential treatment from prison officials.

Nasilasila was sentenced to eight years for the 2018 rape of a young woman.

Last month, the Olympic gold medallist was reportedly spotted training with a local club which has since been condemned by women's rights advocates.

Nasilasila is appealing his sentence.

Human rights activist Kris Prasad also claimed he had been subjected to racist and body-shaming comments on social media.

Prasad said he had also received rape and death threats online because of his comments against rapists and high-profile prisoners being allowed to participate in public sports.

Prasad said while he hadn't been physically attacked, he had been verbally abused by people who would approach him on the street.

He said he would lodge a complaint with the commission and the Police Cyber Crime Unit.

Meanwhile, a petition was launched this week calling on the Constitutional Offices Commission to investigate the Corrections Service's rehabilitation programme which allowed inmates to leave the prison and participate in public sports.

Prasad said they hoped to receive 2,000 signatures before the petition was presented to the commission and other stakeholders including sponsors of Fiji Rugby.

Nasilasila was a star on the sevens pitch for Fiji over the last five years Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby