Fijians, Kiwis gather to voice human rights concerns

Fijians and New Zealanders are gathering in Auckland and Wellington today to voice their concerns about the state of human rights in the Pacific Island nation.

Speakers, including MPs, trade unionists and Amnesty International representatives, will address issues such as the rule of independent law, freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of religion, freedom of the media and the inhumane treatment of people in Fiji.

The gathering in Auckland will be from 1pm on the grass verge opposite Aotea Square at 360 Queen St, and in Wellington outside the Fiji Embassy on Pipitea St.

It follows the release of a brutal video recording which apparently shows Fiji prison guards beating and torturing detainees.

(2013-03-14/udn)