A 21-year-old maritime student remains hospitalized following an incident in Nausori, where he was allegedly assaulted by a police officer after attempting to intervene in a brawl early Sunday morning.
Vilikesa Bari, who is in his final year at Fiji National University, had been waiting for transportation with his cousin after attending a birthday celebration with his mother, Una Qionimacawa. Around 12:30 a.m., he found himself caught in a conflict that rapidly escalated, leading him to call for help from the police on the scene.
Mr. Bari reported that in response, a police officer mistakenly perceived him to be part of the altercation. He claims that the officer forcibly took him to a police vehicle, where he was allegedly assaulted with a torch and further beaten upon arrival at the station. “He threw a few punches, kicked me, and dragged me to a table,” Mr. Bari recounted from his hospital bed.
In a concerning development, after Mr. Bari received treatment at Nausori Health Centre, he was reportedly approached by the same officer who offered him $500 to withdraw his complaint. His mother expressed her anguish, stating, “I couldn’t believe it when I heard my son had been hurt… It’s devastating. I’m pleading with the authorities to take action and address this.”
The Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, has ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations, and a police spokesperson emphasized that officers are expected to comply with the law and be accountable for their actions. However, police have withheld comments on the bribery accusation.
This situation arises amidst growing concerns regarding police conduct, with recent reports from the Fiji National Security and Defence Review identifying police brutality as an ongoing problem in the region.
In summary, the allegations against a police officer highlight significant issues regarding police accountability and conduct, prompting a call for serious investigations and reforms. The commitment to investigate may lead to necessary changes that could enhance public trust in law enforcement and contribute to improved police-community relationships.
The community and family remain hopeful that the authorities will thoroughly address these allegations, ensuring justice while also advocating for better training and oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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