HRADC calls for investigation into alleged brutality – FBC News

Chairman of the Committee on Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Pravesh Sharma

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission received three complaints of alleged human rights violations involving the police.

The chairman of the Commission on Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination, Pravesh Sharma, says this includes alleged police brutality in Nausori, where a bystander suffered a physical attack.

He says that in another case, a man was allegedly kept in police custody in the northern division for two weeks and was physically assaulted.

Sharma says another case under consideration involves the alleged use of force during a careful interrogation to obtain a confession.

Sharma calls for an urgent, impartial and transparent investigation into all allegations of police brutality

Strongly condemns all acts of police violence, including brutality, which constitute a gross violation of human rights and undermine public trust in law enforcement agencies.

He says that as defenders of public safety, police have a responsibility to uphold the law in a fair and professional manner, treating every person with respect and dignity.

The HRADC chairman adds that recent reports of alleged use of excessive force by police officers are deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

It argues that perpetrators must be held accountable and urges the police to prioritize comprehensive human rights training for all officers, stressing the importance of restraint, de-escalation and respect for human dignity in dealings with the public.