Akuila Yabaki is a Fijian human rights activist and Methodist clergyman. From 2002 to 2015 he was Executive Director of the Citizens Constitutional Forum, a pro-democracy organization.[1][2]

The Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma dismissed Yabaki from the pulpit in 2001.[3] No reason for the dismissal was given at the time, although political disagreements were widely thought to be involved. He continued to use the title Reverend.

Yabaki was a strong critic of some policies and decisions of the Qarase government of 2000 to 2006, including the early release from prison of persons convicted on charges related to the 2000 Fijian coup d'état,[4] and opposed the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill seeking to establish an amnesty for such persons.[5]

In the leadup to the 2006 Fijian coup d'état Yabaki called for mediation between the military and the government.[6][7] Following the coup he warned the military regime that it would face legal action over the legality of the government and its abuse of human rights.[8]

In May 2013 he was convicted of scandalising the court over an article in the CCF newsletter in which he raised doubts about the independence of Fiji's judiciary under the military regime. He was given a fine and a suspended prison sentence.[9][10]

References

  1. ^ "History of CCF". Citizen's 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.co.nz. 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.


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