The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is conducting independent investigations into the alleged assault of a 31-year-old man in Nausori by police last Saturday and the alleged assault of a canecutter by officers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in Labasa.
Ashwin Raj says a team from the Commission visited Nausori yesterday to conduct a preliminary investigation. He says the team met with the complainant to ascertain critical information.
Raj says interviews will be conducted in the next few days.
The Commission has also written to the Internal Affairs of the Fiji Police Force earlier today seeking an update on the alleged incident in Nausori.
Raj says the Commission is also investigating the alleged assault of a cane cutter by officers of the RFMF in Labasa. He says the Commission is in contact with the Labasa Police Station seeking further information regarding the case.
The Director says these allegations raise serious concerns about abuse of authority by law enforcement officers.
The Commission reiterates that law enforcement agencies cannot break the law to uphold the law.
Raj says they cannot violate fundamental rights that the state has an obligation both under the constitution as well as international law to uphold.
He says the Commission welcomes the call by the Acting Police Commissioner to investigate this incident and the Commission hopes the RFMF will also call for prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged incident in Labasa.
Raj says if these allegations are found to be true, officers responsible must be held accountable without impunity.
The Commission also encourages the members of the public to report such incidences.
