Two organisations have wel­comed a decision by Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho for an in­ternal investigation into the death of 26-year-old Joseua Lalauvaki.

Mr Lalauvaki died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital on October 11 reportedly from injuries he suf­fered after being allegedly assaulted by Police officers outside a Suva nightclub on September 2.

While welcoming the investiga­tion, Fiji Law Society President Laurel Vaurasi said the society was reaffirming its stand for the rule of law.

“The society welcomes the call and reassurance by the Police Com­missioner that a full and thorough investigation will be carried out by the Internal Affairs Unit into the full circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Lalauvaki.”

She said FLS looked forward to the completion of investigations, add­ing that those responsible for Mr La­lauvaki’s death need to be brought before the courts.

Citizen’s Constitutional Forum (CCF) chief executive officer Sara Bulutani Mataitawakilai said every individual had the right to be free from any kind of torture or inhu­mane treatment, whether physical, mental or emotional, under the Con­stitution.

“We urge that thorough and ex­pedient investigations are carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department regarding the death of Joseua and other similar cases,” he said.

“It is important that recruits and those in the Force should be trained and made aware to respect the rights of detainees,” said Mr Bulutani.

He added that the First Hour Pro­cedure and Video Recording of suspects has been piloted at Totogo Police Station for almost a year now.

The latest Police statement re­leased yesterday said two Police officers remained in custody while four others who were taken in for questioning had been released.

Police investigators consulted the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions yesterday before the next course of action is decided.

Mr Lalauvaki’s funeral will be held today at Kiuva Village in Tailevu.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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