FWCC calls out Police for intimidation while ACP Driu says they are there to ensure safety

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is calling out the Police for intimidation after a truck load of police officers including two patrol cars showed up at a Palestine solidarity rally and vigil outside the Centre last night while Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu says they are there to ensure safety and security.

FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali says this pure intimidation against a non-criminal activity by a group of young Fijians from all walks of life.

Ali says this is shameful and unacceptable.

She says more than 50 people had gathered when Police officers stood across the road next to the truck and stared them down for close to an hour.

The FWCC Coordinator says two patrol cars continuously made the rounds with police officers taking pictures and videos from inside the vehicles.

While responding to questions by fijivillage News, ACP Driu says Police are stepping up their visibility through mobile and foot patrol during the 2 weeks school break.

He says their patrol is normal and routine within the Central Division.

The ACP Operations says Police were also out there to ensure that the protesters remained within their premises and not on public road, and that is not intimidation.