‘Victims of Police brutality deserve justice’

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) strongly condemns Police brutality and calls for urgent reviews of the investigation processes to be transparent and timely so that justice is upheld.

“We’re deeply disturbed and saddened at the news that Batai Ilaisa, the alleged Police brutality victim that was reported in August, has passed away without receiving justice,” said NGOCHR chair, Nalini Singh.

“This is unacceptable and a disgraceful reflection on the Fiji Police Force, who should be the bastion of lawfulness in this country.” Following the allegation in August, the Acting Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu, warned Police officers to uphold the law and not to abuse their authority. Tudravu and the Director of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, Ashwin Raj, confirmed that investigations were underway, however, there have been no updates on these cases. “There have been many Batai aisas who have faced brutality

Ilat the hands of our Police force and military that are still waiting for justice. Lives have already been lost, their families and friends are still waiting. There must be a better response to serious grievances, that is humane, fair and just,” said Ms Singh.

From 2015-2020, 110 Police officers were charged with assault, assault causing actual bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and act with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm according to statistics by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“Ending violence must happen across all sectors, there cannot be any gender equality and justice if our own security forces are the main perpetrators,” he said. Ms Singh said these alleged incidents were shameful and disregarded Fiji’s international commitments to upholding and respecting human rights of Fijians. The results of this investigation must be made public, there must be continuous updates on progress and those involved must be dealt with no impunity.

The coalition reiterates the need for a continued effort at the elimination of torture and brutality for Fiji and to cultivate a culture of democracy that upholds all citizen’s human rights.

We’re deeply disturbed and saddened at the news that Batai Ilaisa, the alleged police brutality victim that was reported in August, has passed away without receiving justice. Nalini Singh NGO Coalition on Human Rights chair