BY: PENI KOMAISAVAI
The Fiji Government says Fiji police investigations into Grace Road
church are continuing.
In a statement on its website, the government says joint
investigations with South Korean authorities into the church’s
activities remain ongoing.
The statement follows the sentencing of Grace Road founder, Shin Ok-ju
to six years in jail for detaining her followers in Fiji and
subjecting them to beatings and other forms of violence.
“As a close friend of South Korea, Fiji offered the full support of
our Fiji Police Force towards any investigations into the Church’s
activities in Fiji,” the statement says,
The Fiji Government reminded investors and business owners in Fiji to
adhere to the Fijian law.
“Any business operating within Fiji, including the Grace Road Church
and its business groups, is required to adhere to Fijian laws, any
allegations of breaches of Fijian law will be fully investigated in
the usual manner.”
Five other church officials were this week sentenced in relation to
the charges. Their penalties ranged from a suspended sentence to 42
months in prison.
Grace Road currently runs a chain of restaurants across Fiji alongside
other retail outlets including hardware, cosmetics, beauty salons and
shoe stores.
It also has agricultural ventures included rice and vegetable growing
and its construction company has won a number of government contracts.
IB approached and questioned Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture Dr
Mahendra Reddy on what would the future be for the Grace Road farm in
Navua.
“I will not comment at the moment but we will see how it goes,” Dr Reddy said.
