“This type of violence occurs when private images and videos are circulated publicly with[out] the person’s consent,” Tabuya said in a statement reported by the Fiji Times.
“It is a grievous form of cyber bullying and must stop if we are truly committed to ending violence against women and girls in Fiji.”
She said there was nothing scandalous about the video.
“There is nothing scandalous or illegal or immoral about sharing private videos and images between two consenting adults who are in a relationship, in this case me and my husband,” she said, according to the Fiji Times.
Tabuya also said she would be pursuing legal action against those who obtained and distributed the private video and photos.
“I am working closely with the authorities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for distributing the video online,” she said.
“Let me make this very clear: the circulation of private images and videos, whether real or appears to be real (doctored or AI-generated) without the person’s consent is a crime.”
In a post to her Facebook page, the minister said the incident “serves as a painful reminder of the challenges women face, including harassment and cyber exploitation”.
“Let me reiterate that I will not be distracted from my commitment to serve the people of Fiji with integrity and dedication. This is a moment to reflect on the importance of protecting individuals from digital harm and promoting a culture of respect and accountability in both public and private spaces.”
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