23 Oct 2012

Fiji NGO alarmed at brutality against recaptured inmates

6:31 pm on 23 October 2012

The Fiji NGO Coalition on Human Rights expresses its grave concern over the leg amputation of prison escapee Epeli Qaraniqio.

Qaraniqio and other fellow inmates were allegedly subjected to violent attacks by members of the security forces when they were recaptured last month.

The NGO's chair, Shamima Ali, says this is a total violation of human rights and an abuse of power by the disciplined forces.

The group has called for an immediate investigation and for accountability of those responsible for perpetrating such gross brutality.

It says it wants a credible and transparent process with non-censored media reporting of the process.

According to the Fijivillage website, police will only comment once they see the medical report.

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights says family members have been denied the right to visit the recaptured inmates in hospital.