Akuila Yabaki

Akuila Yabaki is a Fijian human rights activist and Methodist clergyman. He served as the executive director of the Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF), a pro-democracy organisation, from 2002 to 2015.[1][2]

Religious career

Yabaki was dismissed from the pulpit by the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma in 2001.[3] No official reason was publicly given, although reports suggested that political disagreements may have been a factor. He continued to use the title Reverend.

Activism and public role

Yabaki was a prominent critic of policies of the government of Laisenia Qarase (2000–2006). He opposed the early release of individuals convicted in connection with the 2000 Fijian coup d'état[4] and also opposed the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill, which proposed an amnesty for those involved.[5]

In the lead-up to the 2006 Fijian coup d'état, Yabaki called for dialogue and mediation between the military and the government.[6][7]

Following the coup, he warned the military-backed administration that it could face legal challenges over alleged human rights violations.[8]

In May 2013, Yabaki was convicted of scandalising the court after publishing an article in a CCF newsletter that questioned the independence of Fiji’s judiciary under military rule. He was fined and received a suspended prison sentence.[9][10]

References

  1. ^ "History of CCF". Citizens Constitutional Forum. Archived from the original on 8 August 2011. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  2. ^ "Rev Yabaki Steps Down". Fiji Sun. 12 March 2015. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Methodist Church dismisses controversial minister". TVNZ. Archived from the original on 13 June 2011. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  4. ^ "CCF wants former Fiji vice president back in jail". RNZ. 12 January 2005. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Reconciliation Bill opponents fail to persuade Great Council of Chiefs to reject it". RNZ. 29 July 2005. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  6. ^ "Fiji president retains Bainimarama despite military's anti-government stance". RNZ. 1 November 2006. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  7. ^ "Calls in Fiji for women to mediate between government and military". RNZ. 5 December 2006. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  8. ^ "Fiji Citizen's Constitutional Forum warns new administration of legal action". RNZ. 10 January 2007. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  9. ^ "CCF, Yabaki handed fines by High Court". Fiji Sun. 9 August 2013. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  10. ^ "CCF and Yabaki convicted and fined". Fiji Village. 10 August 2013. Retrieved 19 March 2023.

References


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