A 21-year-old maritime student is currently hospitalized following an alleged assault by a police officer after a fight in Nausori early Sunday morning. Vilikesa Bari, a final-year student at Fiji National University, was at Nausori Town waiting for transport with his cousin after attending a birthday celebration with his mother, Una Qionimacawa.
The incident began around 12:30 am when a nearby brawl drew the attention of individuals around. Bari recounted the rapid escalation of the situation, noting that he was struck in the face and dropped his phone during the scuffle. In an attempt to calm the situation, he approached police officers on the scene, only to allegedly provoke an officer who misunderstood his intentions. Bari claims he was forcibly taken to a police vehicle and suffered further assault during the ride to the Nausori Police Station, where he alleges he was punched and kicked.
Remarkably, after receiving treatment at the Nausori Health Centre, Bari alleges that the officer visited him and attempted to offer him $500 to keep quiet about the incident. His mother expressed her distress over the incident, urging authorities to take decisive action.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, who is an advocate against police brutality, has not publicly addressed this particular allegation. However, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, has ordered a thorough investigation into the assault claims, emphasizing that officers must uphold and be accountable to the law. The police have yet to respond to the bribery allegations.
This troubling event highlights ongoing concerns about law enforcement conduct, which have recently been spotlighted in the Fiji National Security and Defence Review (NSDR), revealing that police brutality remains a significant issue.
In light of this incident, it is essential for the community to remain vigilant and for leadership to foster accountability within law enforcement. It is hoped that this investigation will lead to positive changes in policing standards and practices, thereby reinforcing public trust in the authorities.
This situation underscores the importance of adequate oversight and the need for reform in policing practices to ensure the proper treatment of all citizens.
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