Filth by Victor

I AM appalled and angry at what I regard as downright filth being spewed by the editor of Fiji Leaks site Victor Lal.

A few days ago, Lal, in an act that I regard as despicable and gutter journalism, posted that the taxpayers of Fiji should be concerned that I was in India with National Federation Party leader Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development & Statistics Professor Biman Prasad.

This is an absolute lie and is clearly an attempt by Victor Lal to defame Prof Prasad. It is also a deliberate attack on my morality and an insult to all women. This isn’t the first time that I have been ridiculed. Sadly, it won’t be the last because the likes of Victor Lal and faceless administrators of social media propaganda sites thrive on spreading misinformation in the hope it damages the reputation of those being targeted.

The people of Fiji know that Prof Prasad is in Indian on an official visit, accompanied by the permanent secretary for Finance Shiri Gounder. The media has extensively covered the visit. The Fiji Government Facebook page also has extensive updates and pictures of both Prof Prasad and Mr Gounder from meetings and events they have attended.

Victor Lal’s malicious lie have been replicated by at least one other social media site whose cowardly act has resulted in disparaging comments being posted against not only me but also Prof Prasad.

Unfettered fundamental rights and freedoms are essential in any democracy. But it doesn't give anyone the right to act with impunity. Those who shamelessly do so are gutless cowards.

KIRTI PATEL

Lautoka