Justice Minister Siromi Turaga has commented on the allegations made by former supervisor of elections Mohammed Saneem regarding his treatment while in police custody. In an interview held at Cuvu in Nadroga, Turaga emphasized that such claims should be addressed through the judicial system.
Saneem recently testified in the Suva Magistrate’s Court, claiming that he endured inhumane and degrading conditions while detained last year. He recounted sharing a cell with a disruptive individual and described experiencing the unsettling presence of rats in a filthy environment.
Turaga acknowledged the hardships faced in police custody but noted that the situation has improved over the years. “It’s police custody, we are not a first nation country; everybody goes through that,” he remarked. He indicated that Saneem is understandably distressed and expressed the expectation for a fair court ruling on December 17.
The Minister highlighted that both parties will present their respective arguments, allowing the court to assess the evidence. He reiterated the importance of waiting for a judicial decision regarding any potential breaches of rights, indicating a balanced approach to the situation.
In a positive light, this case underscores the significance of the judicial system in addressing grievances and evaluating the treatment of individuals in detention, which ultimately helps to advance the ongoing discussions about human rights and the conditions of custody in the country. It also signals a willingness to improve and reform areas of the justice system over time.
This situation is a reminder of the importance of accountability in law enforcement and the ongoing need for dialogue about improving detention conditions.
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