Fijian PM Frank Bainimarama who came to power in a military coup over three years ago has given Australian and New Zealand High Commisioners 24 hours to leave the country after claiming that both governments are 'interfering in his country's judiciary'.
The self appointed Prime Minister has indicated that a voice on a scratchy recording supposedly that of an Australian diplomat was the cause for the decision. The voice told a Sri Lankan judge that they would be denied entry to Australia if they were to work for the Fijian government.
"Individuals appointed to the Fiji judiciary, regardless of citizenship, became subject to these travel sanctions and so that will obviously include yourself....And there is a chance that the acceptance of a judicial appointment could be perceived as condoning or supporting the military regime's actions," a voice on the recording says.
The opportunity for the Sri Lankan judge came after the Prime Minister decided to sack all judges and suspend the constitution in April.
According to the ABC, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has said a return to democracy for Fiji will be "difficult".