The National President of the Fiji Council of Social Service, Sepesa Rasili has welcomed the initiation of an investigation into the alleged police brutality case that resulted in the death of a Beqa villager over the weekend.

However, Rasili noted that while news of the investigation is a step in the right direction, it will do little to allay growing public anxiety regarding indiscipline within the supposedly disciplined forces.

He says it has been almost one death per month so far and this is unacceptable for Fiji, unacceptable in this day and age, and especially under a government people believed would afford every citizen the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Rasili says the Fiji Police Force cannot be allowed to act as judge, jury, and executioner on our streets or in our holding cells.

He adds that when law enforcement bypasses the courts and takes human life into its own hands, the very foundation of our democracy begins to crumble.

The National President says FCOSS demands an immediate Commission of Inquiry into the Fiji Police Force.

Rasili says they called for this in 2021, they called for it again in 2023, and they are now reiterating that without an organization-wide inquiry, they will continue to see senseless deaths at the hands of those who are funded to protect us.

He says for far too long, politicians and senior government officials have ignored the calls of communities and civil society to systematically address public complaints of indiscipline, corruption, and misconduct.

Rasili says they acknowledge that the National Security Review has been undertaken and that other legislative reviews are currently underway, such as the consultations around the Police Bill, however, in the interim, we must urgently address the deep-rooted deficiencies in accountability, integrity, and the culture of impunity that continues to rear its ugly head.

FCOSS has stated that Fijian citizens are now bringing these issues to light via social media, meaning any inconsistencies in investigations or disciplinary actions against officers will be exposed to the public eye.

He said, through its work in people centered public finance management, humanitarian response and community feedback mechanisms, FCOSS has consistently emphasized that public trust in law enforcement is vital for national stability and community well-being.

They urge the government to act decisively, rather than relying on routine, isolated investigations that fail to address the core cultural issues within the force.

Rasili says FCOSS remains committed to advocating for justice for the victims and their families, and stands ready to support meaningful, transparent reforms that guarantee the safety and human rights of all Fijians.
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