Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Warns Against Fake News, Impersonation

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) has issued a stern warning to the Fijian public regarding a disturbing trend of fake online news and impersonation. In a statement, the FWCC clarified that a recent online article falsely linking its coordinator, Shamima Ali, to support for the death penalty is entirely fabricated and contrary to the organization's core human rights principles.

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What is deeply concerning is the apparent pattern emerging through the use of fake newspaper layouts, impersonation tactics and coordinated online harassment targeting individuals across media, civil society and the wider community.

This incident is part of a larger, deeply concerning pattern involving the use of fake newspaper layouts and coordinated online harassment targeting various individuals across media, civil society, and the wider community. The FWCC specifically noted that content is being circulated through a social media account identifying itself as “Richard Prasad Apted,” and that prominent figures, including journalists and musicians, have also been targeted.

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The FWCC says it believes Fiji urgently needs a national conversation and a coordinated response to the growing spread of online disinformation, impersonation and digital harassment.

From our perspective at the FWCC, this escalating spread of online disinformation, impersonation, and digital harassment poses a significant threat to Fiji. We believe there is an urgent need for a national conversation and a unified response to these digital threats. Such disinformation campaigns have the dangerous potential to inflame tensions, distort public understanding, and erode trust in our democratic institutions, legitimate media organizations, and vital civil society voices. It is imperative that we protect the integrity of information and safeguard our community from these malicious tactics.

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The FWCC says disinformation campaigns have the potential to inflame tensions, distort public understanding and undermine trust in democratic institutions, media organisations and civil society voices.