Party will not pressure Chand’s remarks probe: Qiliho

Opposition MP Parmod Chand, accused for making alleged seditious remarks, has nothing to worry about, says Police Commissioner BrigadierGeneral Sitiveni Qiliho, if he has not done anything wrong.

The National Federations Party’s president Pio Tikoduadua said the parliamentarian’s questioning was mere ‘persecution and intimidation’.

However, Brigadier-General Qiliho said the Police force had an obligation to investigate the matter after an official allegation by a member of the public was made. “Parmod Chand, as an individual and a representative of the people, made certain statements which we are investigating.

“And, Parmod Chand is being investigated, not his political party. It’s an allegation which we are investigating.

“We won’t be drawn into making comments that have been made by political parties – we are apolitical – and we are doing our work as a professional Police institution.”

No charges have yet been laid but, according to Commissioner Qiliho, that could change ‘depending on the outcome of the investigation’.

“It is early days of the investigation and we cannot be making comments as such because of the likelihood that this may be produced in court,” he added.

“After the investigation then we can determine whether he will be charged or otherwise.” Mr Tikoduadua claimed a heated debate in Parliament on September 13 over Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s role in the May 2000 coup was the reason Mr Chand was brought in.

Brigadier-General Qiliho refuted the claim, saying: “The investigation has got nothing to do with anything in Parliament.

“We want to complete our investigation and come to a conclusion of what needs to be done.

“So whether it’s pressure from his political party or from the media, it will not pressure us.” Feedback: sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj