Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho
Concerns have been raised about hate speech posts that’s surfaced on social media following the Christchurch terror attack in New Zealand.
Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho says they have not received any official reports against any social media posting however, they’re going to take strict actions to put an end to this.
He says many people that are posting, commenting, sharing and supporting such hate posts shows they’re not fully aware of what the consequences are.
He says the Police Force is taking this issue very seriously.
“I’ve directed my Chief Investigator in Intelligence and my Director for CID that they need to look at the hate speech that has been propagated on social media and to start their investigations immediately and we need to take these people to task to put a stop to this type of unwarranted comments. We have to deal with the issue. We can’t allow this type of hate speech and rhetoric to continue.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is urging Fijians to speak up against racism and hatred.
He says those that choose to remain silent will be an injustice to the victims of the terrorist act in New Zealand.
Fijian PM @FijiPM & New Zealand High Commissioner @JCurrNZ at our Dua today to honour the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attacks. Both urged everyone to unite to fight hatred ?? ?? #FijiansforChristchurch pic.twitter.com/HNzgj7KJWm
— Lisi Naziah Tora Ali-Krishna (@Alinaziah) March 17, 2019
His Australian counterpart Scott Morrison shares a similar view.
Today I met with Muslim community leaders to offer my support & to share their deep sorrow over yesterday’s horrific terrorist attack. This has rocked not only NZ but nations around the world, incl. ours. We stand together to condemn the hatred & intolerance behind this attack. pic.twitter.com/hKEu6LdSl3
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 16, 2019
He has urged global leaders to crack down on social media companies that broadcast terrorist attacks in the wake of the tragedy.
Our Government is committed to keeping every Australian safe. No one should have to fear for their safety. That’s why today we’ve announced we’re extending the Safer Communities Fund following the terrible terrorist attack in New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/bf2CWvazBL
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 18, 2019
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is also urging social media giants to wake up to themselves and police platforms much more closely after the mosque massacre.