The NGO Coalition for Human Rights says they are deeply disturbed and concerned about recent allegations of police brutality, which has resulted in the death of a suspect in Nadi.
Chair Nalini Singh says a young man was also allegedly beaten up by police and taken into custody for breach of curfew in Nakasi. Singh also says from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji, hundreds of people have been arrested over breaches adding their rights and dignity should be protected at all times, even if they are detained.
She adds it is extremely worrying that we have multiple reports of alleged police brutality and this is not the first related death recorded this year.
Singh says there must not be impunity for police violence and the Government and the Fiji Police Force need to have the strongest condemnation of the use of excessive force and violence by officers of the law.
Singh says they note the recent comments from the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission and the Acting Police Commissioner calling for investigations into these cases.
She adds it is unacceptable that Fiji has made strong international commitments and statements on human rights and yet, the very officers that need to be upholding the law are taking it into their own hands.
Singh further says Fiji has ratified the United Nations Convention against Torture and returned from the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva earlier this year.
Singh says the human rights of a detained person or of an accused person must be fully respected as guaranteed in the Fijian Constitution adding the public needs to be reassured that there is a higher standard of conduct from police.
Meanwhile, The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission says it is investigating allegations of police brutality in both, Nadi as well as one in relation to the Nakasi Police Station.
Director, Ashwin Raj says it is a matter of grave concern that a life has been lost.
Raj says the investigation team is in Nadi conducting a preliminary investigation into the case. He says they have been in touch with the grieving family since Tuesday.
He says they are also in the process of conducting an interview with the sister of the victim in the Nakasi case.
The Commission expresses grave concern on these recent reports of alleged police brutality.
Raj commends the Acting Police Commissioner for taking a firm stance in ensuring all those responsible are investigated and face the full brunt of the law.
Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has directed the Internal Affairs Investigations Unit to investigate claims of the alleged case of Police assault in Nakasi.
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