Samuela Tawase, accused of allegedly desecrating the historic Hindu Shiv Mandir in Samabula, Fiji, told medical experts that voices in his head compelled him to carry out the act, a court has heard.
During his trial at the High Court this morning, as per the FijiVillage, Acting Senior Medical Officer at Saint Giles Hospital, Dr Christine Chand, revealed that Tawase described hearing “evil voices screaming from inside the temple” and two female voices threatening to kill him if he did not comply. This disclosure came during three consecutive sessions with Dr Chand in July last year.
Dr Chand confirmed that Tawase has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder that disrupts thought processes and perceptions, often causing hallucinations and delusions.
Despite this, he passed the “Presser” test, which determines whether a defendant has sufficient mental capacity to understand court proceedings.
The doctor also noted Tawase’s history of substance abuse, including smoking suki since age 15 and marijuana from age 18. Dr Chand acknowledged it was possible that a combination of mental illness, medication, and substances may have influenced his behaviour at the time of the incident.
The trial will resume on 13 April, with the State set to call its second witness.
The vandalism sparked outrage across Fiji when it occurred last July. Then Deputy Prime Minister and National Federation Party leader Prof. Biman Prasad condemned the act as “absolutely disgusting” and “sacrilegious,” calling for unity and swift justice. Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh echoed the condemnation, describing the attack as “criminal” and a “direct attack” on Fiji’s principles of peace and religious tolerance.
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