Probe into Vakarise's custody death continues: Police

Investigations into the death of Jone Vakarise after he was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) remain ongoing, nearly two months after the incident triggered widespread public concern and calls for accountability.

The Fiji Police Force confirmed that inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Mr Vakarisi's death are continuing, with no indication yet of when findings will be made public.

Mr Vakarisi was among four men taken to the Queen Elizabeth Barracks on April 16 amid heightened joint operations involving the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Police Force.

News of his death emerged on April 17.

A day later, the RFMF issued a statement describing his death as the result of a "sudden and severe medical emergency" linked to a "pre-existing condition".

However, that account came under scrutiny after Mr Vakarisi's death certificate was leaked and later confirmed by Police. The document listed the cause of death as asphyxia, aspiration of gastric contents, severe traumatic head injuries, and blunt force trauma to the head and chest.

On April 18, Police confirmed an investigation had been launched following the official lodgment of a report on April 17.

At the time, Police said the heads of the Fiji Police Force and the RFMF were in agreement that the law should take its course through an independent investigation.

The military later revised its position.

On April 20, the RFMF acknowledged that its initial description of Mr Vakarisi's death as a medical emergency did not fully reflect the post-mortem findings.

Three days later, Police said investigators had recorded several statements but had not identified any suspects.

Public scrutiny intensified on May 8 when photographs allegedly showing bruising on Mr Vakarisi's body were circulated online.

On May 10, RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai publicly acknowledged fault in relation to the custody death during a RFMF family church service at the Centenary Church in Suva.

As the investigation enters its second month, questions remain over the circumstances that led to Mr Vakarisi's death and whether any criminal charges will follow.

Legal experts and human rights advocates have continued to call for a transparent investigation, arguing that public confidence in the justice system depends on a thorough and independent examination of the events surrounding his death.

With no official findings released to date, the case remains a matter of significant public interest, with Mr Vakarisi's family and the wider public awaiting answers on what transpired inside the military camp.