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Akuila Yabaki

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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.