22 Aug 2014

Fiji police accused of brutality after man dies

7:37 pm on 22 August 2014

Fiji's attorney general says the country's police commissioner is capable of leading an investigation into alleged police brutality that resulted in a man dying in police custody.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Fiji's Attorney-General

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Fiji's Attorney-General Photo: RNZ / Republika

Vilikesa Soko died on Wednesday night at Lautoka Hospital, from what his father says were injuries sustained when he was beaten by police officers.

Mr Soko's father has told local media that his son was treated like an animal after he was arrested in a suspected gang-related robbery in Nadi that same day.

The police commissioner, Ben Groenewald, says an investigation is underway, and he has sent the director of internal affairs, a senior officer and four subordinates to the Western Division.

However, no timeframe for the investigation was given.

The attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, says he has every confidence in the commissioner to investigate the incident, and has warned against prejudicing the inquiry.