POLICE have arrested one person and are pursuing others over alleged vulgar and obscene conduct during TikTok battles, with Assistant Commissioner of Police Loraini Seru describing the online behaviour as concerning and “toxic”.
Ms Seru said police were not taking the matter lightly, confirming that officers continued efforts to locate others allegedly involved.
“Recently we have one in our custody, and we are looking for the others,” she said.
“We know of the locations and our officers are out there to get them because of the types of comments they make online.”
Ms Seru confirmed that the person currently in custody was being investigated in relation to the uttering of vulgar and obscene gestures, which she said were not in keeping with community standards.
“It’s quite concerning and alarming as well for the Fiji police to see how toxic, to some extent, people can go to in having to abuse internet access and online as well.”
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu also expressed concern over the language being used during online exchanges and the way some people were abusing access to the internet and social media platforms.
He questioned why people were engaging in such behaviour and called for greater public discussion about the conduct taking place on online platforms.
“The question we are asking is why? Why are people bold enough to do these kinds of things,” he said.
Mr Tudravu also urged the media to raise questions about the reasons behind the behaviour, saying police were responsible for enforcing the law once reports were received and offences identified.
