A 21-year-old maritime student, Vilikesa Bari, is currently hospitalized following an alleged assault by a police officer after a confrontation in Nausori on Sunday morning. Bari, who is in his final year at Fiji National University, was waiting for transportation with his cousin after attending a birthday party with his mother, Una Qionimacawa.
The incident began around 12:30 a.m. when a nearby brawl erupted, drawing the attention of several bystanders, including Bari. He recounted that the situation escalated quickly, stating, “A punch flew towards me, hitting my face, and my phone dropped. We panicked for a moment.”
As police officers arrived at the scene, Bari attempted to assist in resolving the situation, but it is alleged that a police officer misinterpreted his actions and forcibly took him to a police vehicle, believing him to be involved in the fight. During the transport to the Nausori Police Station, Bari claims that the officer assaulted him with a torch and continued to batter him upon arrival. “He threw a few punches, kicked me, and dragged me to a table,” Bari stated from his hospital bed, adding that the officer warned him against instructing them on their duties.
In a troubling development, Bari alleged that after receiving treatment at Nausori Health Centre, the officer offered him $500 to drop the case. His mother expressed her dismay, 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.”
While the Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua—an advocate for police accountability—has not yet commented, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, has initiated a thorough investigation into the assault allegations. A police spokesperson remarked, “Officers are constantly reminded to uphold the law, and they are equally answerable to it.” However, there has been no comment regarding the bribery allegations.
This incident sheds light on ongoing concerns regarding police conduct in Fiji, a matter addressed in the recent Fiji National Security and Defence Review (NSDR), which highlighted police brutality as a recurring issue.
The situation underscores the importance of accountability within law enforcement and the need for a transparent investigation that can restore public trust in the police. In this challenging moment, the hope remains that systemic issues can be addressed and that victims of such incidents can find justice and support moving forward.
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