The Fiji Police Force is investigating an incident captured in a viral video on social media, which depicts a Police officer allegedly assaulting a man in Nadi.

In the video, the Police officer was seen speaking to the man before purportedly slapping him on the head.

Police said the incident had been brought to the attention of the Acting Commissioner of Police who had directed that the incident be looked into as investigations continued.

Human rights NGO Justice Pacific has condemned the incident and called for investigations with utmost priority.

“It is completely unacceptable for the Fiji Police Force to use such violent and degrading tactics under any circumstances, let alone what appears to be a traffic infringement,” Justice Pacific’s chief executive officer, Elaine Chandra said.

“We are calling for authorities to investigate this matter with the utmost priority and take the police officer involved to task.

“Increases in crimes, police brutality, and hate speech online are something that communities are dealing with right now, and these impact vulnerable and minority groups the most,” Ms Chandra said.

Story by: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj