Human Rights Commission and police investigate alleged brutality case in Tukavesi

Human Rights Commission and police investigate alleged brutality case in Tukavesi

By Iva Danford
06/05/2021
Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Director Ashwin Raj. [image: File]

The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission and Police are investigating an alleged brutality case involving a man from Loa Village in Tukavesi who claims that he was assaulted by eight police officers and a soldier during a drug raid on the 26th of last month.

Police have also confirmed that they have received a report regarding this case on the 30th of last month.

It is alleged that this man was caught when he was approaching the farm while the raid was being conducted, and ran away when he had seen the officers.

Commission Director Ashwin Raj says the victim who is in his 40s has undergone a medical examination.

He says they have conducted a preliminary interview with the victim.

Raj says some of these officers were allegedly dressed in civilian clothes.

He says pursuant to section 30 of the Human Rights Act, the Commission is conducting an independent investigation into the matter on its own motion with the intention of providing redress to the victim.

Raj says the use of excessive force amounting to gratuitous violence, constitutes an infraction of section 11 of the Fijian Constitution which expressly provides that “every person has the right to freedom from torture of any kind, whether physical, mental or emotional, and from cruel, inhuman, degrading or disproportionally severe treatment or punishment”.

He says in the dispensation of its constitutional mandate, law enforcement agencies must conduct themselves within the confines of the rule of law and in adherence with human rights.

Raj says the fact remains that no one is above the law and any use of force by law enforcement agencies must be necessary, proportionate and lawful because they have a constitutional obligation to ensure that everyone enjoys the right to be free from cruel and degrading treatment even if they are in conflict with the law.

He says those responsible for this abhorrent act of violence must be held accountable and must face the full brunt of the law.

FEATURE NEWS
Man in custody after he allegedly trespassed at the PM's residence
A man is in Police custody after he allegedly trespassed at the Prime Minister's residence yesterday. Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu says the...
7 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Bigger thrills coming after Navtarang Sargam Dhamaka Show rocks Fiji Showcase
Thousands of people from far and wide were treated to a thrilling night of non-stop entertainment at the 2025 Fiji Showcase Navtarang Sargam Dhamaka ...
6 hours ago

Yuva Dance Group to ignite Fiji Showcase 2025 with fusion and fire
Yuva Dance Group is set to dazzle audiences at 2025 Fiji Showcase Navtarang and Radio Sargam Dhamaka Show, blending traditional dance forms with ...
13 hours ago

Kamikamica, Prasad and Shandil to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica, Vodafone Fiji's General Manager Digital Financial Services Shailendra Prasad ...
13 hours ago

Singh questions how much funding FWCC gets and how many local and overseas trips Ali has made
I am answerable to the public and I know the issues my staff in the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar are facing. This is the response ...
14 hours ago

Govt braces for higher deficit and debt-to-GDP ratio due to global economic slowdown – Prof. Prasad
Anticipate an increase in Government expenditure resulting in an increased budget deficit and debt-to-GDP ratio as they will be focusing on adjusting ...
14 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Women in Media Conference 2025
Top journalists, media workers, civil society voices, and regional delegates meeting in Suva for the inaugural Women in Media Conference 2025.
4 days ago

Ben Salacakau and Glenis Yee on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on the gaps in Fiji’s education system and what needs to be done, the pressure on committee run schools to keep the schools ...
10 days ago

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach Osea Kolinisau on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Osea Kolinisau on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
13 days ago

TOP