The Fiji Police Force is urging the public not to accuse individuals without evidence, as it raises concerns over social media attacks targeting people allegedly linked to the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi.
Police say there has been a rise in social media posts incriminating individuals and members of law enforcement without any evidence, and this is having wider impacts on those people, their families and their communities.
The force says while freedom of speech and expression is recognised and respected, it must be exercised responsibly and be based on facts and the truth.
Police have highlighted recent attacks on two police officers.
However, police say the two officers were neither investigated nor connected to the matter, yet they became the target of threatening and abusive comments based on hearsay rather than evidence.
The Fiji Police Force says the investigation file into the death of Racagi has been submitted to the Office of the DPP for an independent legal review.
Police stress that this process is not new and has been followed for many years, with officers only being formally charged and produced in court upon the advice of the ODPP.
The force is again pleading with members of the public to use social media responsibly and to consider the impact their comments and posts can have on individuals, families and society.
Police have also confirmed that the ODPP has advised that its review of the investigation file into Racagi's death will take between three to four weeks.
