By MICHAEL FIELD – Stuff.co.nz :

Fiji’s military has extended its martial law rule for another 30 days, claiming it has made the country more peaceful.

Dictator Voreqe Bainimarama imposed the latest bout of martial law in Easter when the country’s Supreme Court declared his regime illegal.

He declared a “new legal order” with martial law that gives the military and police the right to use lethal force without being subject to judicial review, and also includes media censorship.

Every Fiji newsroom now includes military censors.

Military spokesman Neumi Leweni hailed the benefits of censorship.

“The absence of politics from the national agenda, for instance, is contributing positively to the peace and stability of the nation,” Leweni said.

“People are now more focused on their lives, families and work without being distracted by the divisive and fragmentary views that were prominent in the period before the emergency regulations were implemented.”

He claimed tourism was benefiting from the “more positive reports about tangible developments throughout the country and about people going about their usual friendly and accommodating way of life which Fiji is renowned for.”

Leweni, who used to be the Fiji military band drummer, said they had considered the need to extend the regulations as highly pragmatic in order to provide greater stability and focus on “nation-building initiatives”.

“Government is guided by its intentions to direct the nation towards a more peaceful and harmonious society that is free from all forms of discrimination and corruption,” he said.

Leweni said it is to be expected that the initial period of the re-building process will naturally be difficult for some members of the public to understand.

“But, government will continue to appeal for the public’s understanding and active support.

“Ultimately, government must take responsibility for the nation and especially to ensure that it successfully completes the work it had initially set out to do,” he said.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/2487739/Martial-law-working-says-Fiji#share