Acting COMPOL agrees Police brutality is a crime and perpertrators must be held accountable

Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew says the Fiji Police Force agrees with the sentiments of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission that police brutality is a crime and that perpetrators must be held accountable.

He says this has never changed as police officers have been charged and produced in court when they breach the law or abuse their authority.

Chew personally reassures the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission and members of the public, that all reports received will be thoroughly investigated and the law will take its course.

He says the conduct of a transparent investigation upon the receipt of an official complaint is initiated by their internal affairs and in the event a criminal matter, taken over by the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters.

He adds the investigation files are then handed over to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for independent legal advice.

Meanwhile the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission says it is seriously concerned regarding cases of alleged police brutality as in recent days, they have received three complaints of alleged human rights breaches concerning police.

Commission Chair, Pravesh Sharma says the three complaints include an alleged police brutality case in Nausori where a by-stander was subjected to physical assault.

Sharma says in another case, a man was allegedly held in police custody in the Northern Division for two weeks and he was subjected to physical assault.

He says another case at hand is of alleged use of force during a caution interview, to secure a confession statement.

Sharma says the Commission calls for an urgent, impartial, and transparent investigation into all allegations of police brutality, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.

He strongly condemns all acts of violence inflicted by police including brutality which constitute a gross violation of human rights and undermines the trust placed in Law Enforcement Authorities by the public.

The Commission Chair says as protectors of public safety, the police are duty-bound to uphold the law with integrity and professionalism, treating every individual with respect and dignity.

He adds accountability is crucial to restoring public confidence in the justice system and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. They also urge the Fiji Police Force to prioritize comprehensive human rights training for all officers, emphasizing the importance of restraint, de-escalation, and respect for human dignity in their interactions with the public.