The Fijian Cabinet agreed to amend the penal code to...

The Fijian Cabinet agreed to amend the penal code to remove the death penalty for treason charges [capital punishment was scrapped for most crimes in 1967, but was retained for treason and piracy].
Attorney-General Qoroniasi Bale confirmed a bill on the amendment would be presented in this sitting of the House of Representatives. "Yes, an amendment seeking the removal of the death penalty was approved by cabinet today," Bale said.
Responding to a commentary by Citizens' Constitutional Forum [CCF] Executive Director Reverend Akuila Yabaki that the amendment was aimed at satisfying supporters of [coup-leader] George Speight, Bale said: "It is not intended to satisfy George Speight and his supporters but to allow us to deal with Speight's case and to deal with the death penalty."
While the CCF was opposed to any law that imposed death penalty, Yabaki questioned the timing of the amendment when there was other legislation awaiting debate.
"This appears to be a purely political decision to satisfy George Speight and his supporters and I question why the Qarase government continues to pander to the will and desire of people who have committed serious offences," he said.
He added if Speight and his men had the guts to hold hostage an elected government for 56 days and endanger the lives of thousands, they should have the guts to face the full brunt of the law.