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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand /Crime & Justice

Fiji Police Arrest Man Over Alleged Social Media Threat to Burn Capital

From RNZ Pacific · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Fiji police have arrested a man in his 50s for allegedly threatening to burn the capital, Suva, or remove the nation's constitution via social media.
  • The suspect is being held while the Cybercrime Division investigates the alleged threats.
  • The arrest occurs amid the Fijian government's ongoing constitutional review and truth and reconciliation processes.

Fiji police have taken a man in his 50s into custody following allegations of issuing threats on social media. The suspect reportedly threatened to remove the country's 2013 Constitution or set fire to the capital city, Suva. Police confirmed on Monday that investigations are ongoing into the alleged threats.

The suspect was questioned by investigators from the Cybercrime Division at police headquarters on Sunday, July 19, 2026, and remains in custody. This development comes as the Fijian government is actively engaged in a dual process of constitutional review and truth and reconciliation.

Authorities have issued a warning to social media users in Fiji, emphasizing that "inciteful posts or the practice of sharing such posts" can lead to legal action. Individuals found to be urging political violence, engaging in criminal intimidation, or committing malicious acts could face charges under Fiji's criminal laws. Police reiterated their commitment to upholding freedom of expression but stressed that it must be exercised responsibly, with abuses and breaches of the law not being condoned.

While respecting one's freedom of expression and speech, it must be practiced with responsibility, as abuse and the breach of the law will not be condoned.

โ€” Fiji PoliceA statement warning against the misuse of social media.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.