Commission investigates alleged police brutality

The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has told the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation that it is looking into a case of alleged police brutality.

It was alleged that certain officers seriously harmed a suspect of crime who was brought to the Navua Police Station for questioning.

The Commission's investigation team visited the station to check their records and confirmed that the alleged victim of brutality was arrested on 4 November and taken to the Pacific Harbour Police Post, where he was interrogated by three officers.

The investigating team also interviewed the alleged victim and medical staff at the Navua Hospital, the FBC reported.

A report will be filed at the conclusion of the investigation.

The Commission says it strongly condemns all acts of torture and brutality.

Legal proceedings will be instituted if there is sufficient evidence of human rights violations, the Commission told the FBC.

Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho said in a statement that he will personally oversee the investigation.

Qiliho said the investigation will determine the extent of the involvement of police officers, who the victim claimed arrested him from his home in Navua and poured hot water on him during the questioning process.

Date: 16 November 2019

Source: Fiji Broadcasting Corporation