Police condemn viral video of drowning victim

The Fiji Police Force is urging members of the public to stop commenting on and sharing the viral video of the late former Fiji Pearls coach, Unaisi Rokoura, whose body was recovered yesterday from the Rewa River.

In a statement, police said: “Out of respect for the family, members of the public are asked not to share the video of the victim of the alleged drowning incident in Navuso."

It has been established that no member of the joint search team took the video, as it was recorded by a member of the public who was assisting with search efforts.

Police added that sharing the video shows a lack of empathy for the grieving family.

"The sharing of the video lacks empathy for the grieving family, and no one should ever have to endure such trauma, at the expense of someone wanting to gain likes and followings on social media."

The Force is calling on the public to refrain from further sharing or commenting on the video and to allow the family to grieve in private.

“As a society, we must do better by maintaining a respectful and compassionate online environment—simply by being more thoughtful and considerate toward grieving families.”

Rokoura's body was found near the Waila dredging plant, several days after she went missing while collecting freshwater mussels near the Navuso Agriculture School in Nausori.

She was swept away by strong currents last Saturday morning while accompanied by two others.

Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj