A 21-year-old maritime student remains hospitalized after reportedly being assaulted by a police officer following a brawl in Nausori early Sunday morning. Vilikesa Bari, in his final year at Fiji National University, was waiting for transportation in Nausori Town with his cousin after attending a birthday celebration with his mother, Una Qionimacawa.
The incident unfolded around 12:30 AM when a fight broke out nearby. Mr. Bari recalled the sudden escalation of events, stating, “A punch flew towards me, hitting my face, and my phone dropped. We panicked for a moment.” As police arrived to handle the situation, Bari attempted to step in to defuse the conflict.
However, he alleges that an officer mistook him for a participant in the brawl and forcefully took him to a police vehicle. During the transport to the Nausori Police Station, Mr. Bari claims the officer struck him in the head with a flashlight and continued the assault upon arrival. “He threw a few punches, kicked me, and dragged me to a table,” Mr. Bari reported from the hospital, adding that the officer warned him against “educating them about their responsibilities.”
Adding to the distressing nature of this incident, after being treated at the Nausori Health Centre, Mr. Bari claims the officer offered him $500 to drop the case. His mother expressed her outrage and sorrow, stating, “I couldn’t believe it when I heard my son had been hurt. And now they want him to cover it up with money. It’s devastating. I’m pleading with the authorities to take action and address this.”
Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, known for his stance against police violence, has yet to respond to the allegations. However, Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has initiated an immediate investigation into the claims. A police spokesperson confirmed, “We have directed the Director of Internal Affairs to look into the assault claims thoroughly. Officers are constantly reminded to uphold the law and are equally answerable to it.”
While police have refrained from commenting on the bribery allegation, this incident raises broader concerns about law enforcement practices, particularly given findings from the recent Fiji National Security and Defence Review, which highlighted police brutality as an enduring problem.
This troubling event reflects a critical moment for law enforcement in Fiji, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability within the police force. As investigations unfold, there is hope that this incident could lead to substantial reforms and reinforce police responsibility, ensuring respect for citizens’ rights and fostering trust in law enforcement.
In summary, Vilikesa Bari alleges that a police officer assaulted him during and after a brawl in Nausori, an incident that has prompted calls for thorough investigations into police conduct and accountability.
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