Military has no authority in police custody: Tikoduadua

Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua has made clear that military personnel have no authority to interfere in police custody matters.

Mr Tikoduadua said Government did not support any action that undermined the 2013 Constitution or public confidence in Fiji’s security institutions.

“There is no State of Emergency, and there must be no confusion about that,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

“Any person in custody must be safe. Any officer entering a Police facility, or engaging with a person in Police custody, must do so only within the law and proper command arrangements.”

His comments follow allegations that five military officers stormed Nabua Police Station and physically assaulted a suspect in custody over the alleged assault of a 20-year-old man – believed to be the son of a military officer at Mead Road Housing in Nabua last Saturday.

Lawyer Simione Valenitabua, who represents the suspect, said his client was roughed up by soldiers and feared for his safety.

Mr Tikoduadua said the Fiji Police Force is solely responsible for arrest, custody and investigation of suspects, and the military does not replace police in those functions.

“Police must lead policing matters. The military’s role, where required, must be one of lawful support, not substitution,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe said the military would conduct their own separate investigation into the matter.

The suspect’s alibi – that he had travelled to Levuka before the alleged assault is currently being verified by police.

His lawyer said police have assured him his client will not be released to military custody.

Attempts to get comment from RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai were unsuccessful when this edition went to press.