Jonathan Hill, a 34-year-old man accused of participating in a significant drug smuggling operation in Vatia, Tavua, has sought constitutional redress over alleged police misconduct during his arrest and subsequent detention. His legal representative informed the court that Hill spent nine days in police custody, with five of those days spent in a dark, poorly ventilated room devoid of proper lighting or air conditioning.
Further disturbing claims were made regarding his time in custody, including the unsettling fact that a mentally challenged individual was housed in the same space, allegedly subjecting Hill to torment during his confinement. Counsel argued that these actions constituted a severe breach of Hill’s constitutional rights and requested that the court formally acknowledge these complaints.
During the proceedings, it was also alleged that a police officer from the Nadi Police Station unlawfully confiscated $3,000 and a power bank from Hill at the time of his arrest, in addition to physically assaulting him. Hill’s counsel urged the court to allow him to file a formal complaint to facilitate an investigation into these purported acts of theft and assault.
The court was informed that similar allegations arose concerning Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa, another defendant in the case, who was detained on January 17. Reports indicated that a police officer allegedly took $4,200 from her belongings and that she, too, was held in a cell with a mentally unstable person. Qolimaiwasa’s defense counsel brought to attention her personal observations of the deplorable conditions while her client was in custody.
In response, the State indicated it had only recently acquired the case file and requested a minimum of 21 days to complete the necessary disclosures and assess whether the two cases should be merged. However, the defense opposed this consolidation, asserting that there was no legal or evidentiary connection between the matters.
The court acknowledged the arguments presented and granted the State’s request for additional time to file the complete disclosures. The defense expressed its intent to pursue further legal action once all related materials were received. The hearing has been postponed until February 27 at the Ba High Court.
This case underscores ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of individuals in police custody and the importance of upholding constitutional rights, enhancing the call for reform in police practices to ensure fair and humane treatment for all detainees.
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