IMPUNITY remained a problem in the security forces in some politically connected cases, the United States Department of State 2020 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Fiji states.
It also noted that Fiji’s Constitution and laws prohibited torture, forced medical treatment and degrading treatment or punishment.
“The Public Order Act (POA), however, authorises the government to use whatever force it deems necessary to enforce public order,” the report read.
“There were reports security forces abused persons.”
The report stated the Fiji Police Force charged 38 officers for misconduct as of July 2020.
“Impunity remained a problem in the security forces in some politically connected cases.
“The Constitution and POA provide immunity from prosecution for members of the security forces for any deaths or injuries arising from the use of force deemed necessary to enforce public order.
“The Constitution provides immunity for the president, prime minister, members of the Cabinet and security forces for actions taken relating to the 2000 suppression of a mutiny at the military headquarters, the 2006 coup and the 2009 abrogation of the 1997 Constitution.”
Questions sent to Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and to the acting A-G Faiyaz Koya regarding the report remained unanswered when this edition went to press. |
