There is nothing “funny” about allegations of assault, says Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali, who has criticised comments by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu regarding calls to disband the joint police and military taskforce.
Mr Tudravu had described those calls as “funny” amid concerns raised following cases involving military and police officers allegedly assaulting civilians.
Responding to his remarks, Ms Ali said allegations involving deaths and abuse linked to police officers, military personnel or joint operations should be treated seriously.
“When allegations are raised about deaths and abuse involving police officers, military personnel or joint operations, those concerns must be treated with the utmost seriousness and respect,” she said.
“In any democratic society governed by the rule of law, security forces are entrusted with extraordinary powers. With those powers comes an equally extraordinary responsibility to uphold human rights and protect the public.”
Ms Ali said accountability was essential for maintaining public confidence in institutions and warned against dismissing public concerns.
She said the FWCC’s concern had always been whether the rights and dignity of individuals were protected during joint police and military operations.
Ms Ali also called for independent oversight, transparent investigations and public accountability, saying they were necessary safeguards against misconduct rather than barriers to effective policing.
“There is nothing funny about allegations of assault, torture, excessive use of force, three deaths over three months or any violations of human rights.”
She called on leaders and public officials to approach such matters with seriousness, compassion and accountability
