[Source: theguardian]

The Immigration Department says Islamic State terrorist Neil Prakash is not a Fijian citizen.

Prakash is currently imprisoned in Turkey, where he faces multiple charges which are related to being a member of the Islamic State.

Earlier this week, Australian Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton, while rescinding Prakash’s Australian citizenship, had said by law Prakash was a citizen of Fiji.

This is because Prakash’s father was from Fiji before moving and becoming an Australian citizen.

Prakash was born in Australia and Director Immigration, Nemani Vuniwaqa says neither Prakash nor his father hold Fijian citizenship.

“If he was holding an Australian citizenship when he was born in the 90’s then he’s the holder of only one citizenship and on top of that even after 2009 when dual or multi citizenship came in if he had wanted to acquire Fijian citizenship because of the fact that he was a child of Fiji Citizen then he should have applied for .There are certain requirements that he needs to fulfil in order for that application to be accepted, processed and for citizenship to be awarded.”

Australia’s disowning of Prakash and trying to push him Fiji’s way has raised eyebrows with even Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama telling the media that Prakash will not be welcome here due to his background.