Calls for accountability over alleged brutality continue as the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission monitors several complaints involving security forces, including the case of Jone Vakarise.
No one has been charged in the murder investigation of Vakarise, although the Fiji Police Force has classified his death as murder.
Commissioner Chantelle Khan said the commission had consistently received complaints of alleged brutality involving the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces over the years.
Ms Khan said each complaint was assessed on its own merits.
“We have consistently received complaints relating to brutality over the years. Each complaint is assessed individually,” she said.
She said the commission remained in communication with the military and police while monitoring ongoing cases.
“For the Vakarise case, we have already indicated that we are monitoring the situation.”
Ms Khan said maintaining constructive relationships with both organisations was important to the commission’s work.
“These discussions are sensitive because we want to maintain constructive relationships with both organisations. We cannot compel them to meet with us, so we rely on goodwill and cooperation.”
She said details of ongoing complaints could not be made public while investigations were underway.
“As some investigations are still ongoing, we are unable to publicly discuss the details of those complaints.”
Ms Khan said the commission would continue engaging with security agencies while monitoring allegations of human rights violations.
Mr Vakarise and two associates were charged with criminal trespass and operating without a valid security licence.
He died while in military custody on April 16.
