Police: Law Will Take Its Course

The discovery of a newborn baby abandoned alive in a sanitary bin at a university hostel in Lautoka has highlighted the serious criminal consequences of such actions.

Police say the case is being handled with care and compassion but stress that the law must take its course.

Under the Crimes Decree 2009, abandoning a baby could lead to a murder or manslaughter charge, depending on the circumstances and outcome of the investiga­tion.

The law states that anyone who intends to cause, or is reckless as to causing, the death of an­other person commits murder.

Manslaughter applies if serious harm is caused or risked.

Police Commissioner Rusi­ate Tudravu said investigations were underway and "the law will take its course."

The Lautoka Criminal Investi­gations Department is waiting for medical clearance before questioning the mother, who has been identified but whose priva­cy is being protected.

Mr Tudravu called for the pub­lic to respect the privacy of both mother and baby and avoid spec­ulation on social media.

"We understand the commu­nity's concern, but this is a sen­sitive matter. Let the police do their work and wait for the find­ings," he said.

A joint statement from gender and reproductive health organi­sations said the mother was not the problem but the system.

"It is a clear and painful signal of multiple system failures-lack of access to safe and affordable sexual and reproductive health services, in education, in pub­lic health outreach, and in how our society treats young women, especially when they are vulner­able and in crisis," the statement said.

"Shame, stigma, and silence­ particularly around unplanned pregnancy, sexuality, and repro­ductive decision-making con­tinue to control the lives of too many young women in Fiji."

If anyone is facing similar dif­ficulties, support is available through the toll-free line at Em­power Pacific on 5626.

Feedback: ivamere.nataro@fijisun.com.fj