Dr. Lal is known in academic circles as our best political historian and constitutional scholar. Questioning his credentials and views are stupid unless you are also an intellectual.

There is something called 'freedom of speech' and kicking out academics for casting doubts on a regime that is frankly and factually illegal is preposterous. You do support violence against academics for speaking their minds if you are defending the actions of my government. Is that the message you want to send to Fijian students studying abroad? Don't come back to Fiji to serve your country because you might get kidnapped and beaten by the military? Shame on you.

Hiding behind the cloak of anonymity doesn't serve your arguments well.

Secondly, this issue about "leading" academic is hyperbole. It seems this talking head role of Brij Lal has got him into hot water. Here we have Historian who thinks he knows more about Fiji's future. Like any back seat driver, a good telling off is certainly a sure fire way of putting self declared experts like Brij Lal in his place (which is in the lecture theater).

While, I don't cordone violence and intimidation; it must be pointed out that Brij Lal was shouting fire in a crowded theater.