Police Brutality Allegations Spark Investigation in Fiji

The Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, has pledged thorough investigations into an incident of alleged police brutality in Nausori over the weekend. Vilikesa Bari, a 21-year-old final-year maritime student at Fiji National University, was reportedly assaulted by a police officer, leading to his hospitalization on Sunday. Bari sustained severe injuries, including a broken jaw, and is currently struggling to consume solid food.

Minister Tikoduadua emphasized the commitment to a complete investigation, stating, “We’ll investigate it fully.” He acknowledged that he was just made aware of the situation and assured that every necessary step would be taken to address the incident.

Reports indicate that after the assault, an officer allegedly approached Bari at the Nausori Health Centre early Sunday morning and attempted to bribe him with $500 to keep quiet about the incident. This has further raised concerns about police conduct and accountability.

The Acting Commissioner of Police, Sakeo Raikaci, commented that the actions of a few officers have negatively affected public trust in the police force. He affirmed that the police are taking serious steps to restore community relations and confidence, thanking the public for their ongoing support despite these troubling events. He reiterated the importance of accountability and the commitment of police officers to serving their communities with integrity.

This situation highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability within police forces to rebuild trust in the community. Given the steps reported by the police leadership to address these concerns, there is hope that these actions will lead to positive changes in the institution, fostering better relationships between officers and the communities they serve.

In summary, the investigation into the alleged police brutality case serves as an important reminder of the need for law enforcement accountability and transparency—key components in rebuilding public trust and ensuring community safety.