Four suspended over alleged remand centre assault

Four Fiji Corrections Service officers have been suspended as investigations intensify into an alleged assault at the Lautoka Remand Centre, following the circulation of video footage on social media.

Acting Commissioner Auta Moceisuva confirmed the suspensions, saying the officers had been stood down to allow for a thorough investigation into the incident.

He said suspending staff was standard procedure whenever the Fiji Corrections Service investigated allegations of assault or breaches of internal operational procedures at correctional facilities.

The suspensions come a day after the Fiji Corrections Service confirmed it had launched an investigation into the alleged assault.

In an earlier statement, the Service said it was investigating the incident to establish the facts and determine what action should be taken.

"The Fiji Corrections Service is aware of the incident shared online recently about an assault at the Lautoka Remand Centre and wish to confirm that an investigation has been commissioned in order to determine the factual information relating to the assault including the appropriate course of action to be instituted."

The Service also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on violence within correctional facilities.

"The Fiji Corrections Service also confirms that assault by an officer against a prisoner or vice versa is not tolerated and anyone found to abuse his or her authority will face the full brunt of the law."

It said a comprehensive update would be provided once investigations were complete.

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has welcomed the investigation while calling for the inmate involved to receive immediate medical attention and for the inquiry to be conducted independently.

Director Loukinikini Lewaravu said the commission was concerned by the viral footage.

"The FHRADC calls for the inmate involved to receive immediate medical attention, appropriate care and any necessary support while the investigation is underway," Ms Lewaravu said.

"Every person, including those in detention, has the right to be treated with dignity and humanity. Individuals deprived of their liberty remain entitled to the full protection of their human rights, including freedom from all forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

Ms Lewaravu urged that the investigation be conducted promptly, independently, impartially and transparently, adding that if the allegations were substantiated, those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law.

She reaffirmed the commission's position:

"There must be zero tolerance for torture and all forms of ill-treatment."