Police condemn online attacks linked to PC Racagi’s death probe

The Fiji Police Force has condemned social media users for accusing individuals without evidence, saying recent online attacks against two police officers allegedly linked to the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi are baseless and damaging.

In a statement, Police urged members of the public to respect the investigation process and refrain from making allegations without proof.

“The Fiji Police Force is calling on members of the public to be respectful of the investigation process and not to incriminate individuals without evidence.”

Police said the increasing number of social media posts accusing individuals, including law enforcement officers, without evidence was a concern because of the impact on those targeted and their families.

“The rise in social media postings incriminating individuals and members of law enforcement without any evidence is concerning, as it has wider implications on a person (s) family and community.”

The Force said freedom of expression and speech must be exercised responsibly and be grounded in facts.

“While freedom of expression and speech is recognized and respected, it must be exercised with respect and based on facts and the truth.”

Police said recent attacks on two officers allegedly linked to the death of PC Racagi were unwarranted because the matter was currently before the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for independent legal review.

“The recent attacks on two police officers alleged to be linked to the death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi is unwarranted, as the matter is before the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for independent legal review.”

The Force clarified that neither officer had been investigated or connected to the case.

“The two officers were not investigated nor did they have any link to the matter, yet they are subject of cruel and threatening comments on social media attack, based purely on hearsay, rather than evidence.”

Police reiterated that all investigations involving officers undergo an independent legal review by the ODPP before decisions are made.

“As assured, all investigations against police go through the independent process of a legal review by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).”

The Force said the process was longstanding and routinely applied before police officers were formally charged and produced in court.

“This process is not new, and has been in practice for years, evident when Police officers are produced in court after the formal laying of charges, upon the advice of the ODPP.”

Police again appealed to members of the public to use social media responsibly and consider the consequences of their comments.

“The Fiji Police Force is again pleading with members of the public, to use social media responsibly and to understand that while freedom of speech and expression are fundamental rights, they carry responsibilities and must consider the impact their comments and posts have on individuals, their families and society.”

The ODPP has advised that its review of the investigation file into the death of the late PC Peniasi Racagi is expected to take between three and four week.