Call for probe into death in custody

FIJI – There is a potential new human rights scandal involving the Fiji police force with calls for an independent investigation into a death in police custody in Fiji last week. The family of teenager Vikrant Nand claim he was beaten by police prior to his death. The 18-year-old was found dead at the Nakasi police station last Thursday. He was reportedly taken into custody for breaching a domestic violence restraining order. What happened after that is still unclear. The police will not comment but say they have launched an internal investigation. But a leading opposition MP Biman Prasad, who attended Nand’s funeral, says that’s not good enough for his family. “The family is aggrieved at the way in which the way in which the whole investigation has been handled,” he said. “It is alleged that their son was beaten in police custody. These are the claims that the family is making and it’s only proper that there be an independent investigation to establish the full facts.” Nand’s family were reportedly initially told that the teenager had committed suicide. But they say different police officers gave them differing stories about the death. The chair of the NGO Coalition for Human Rights, Nalini Singh, says the circumstances surrounding the incident mean it’s only right and fair that an independent inquiry be held. “Especially in the case where Nand’s death can be considered under suspicious circumstances in custody. The call for this independent investigation would also be a show of good faith from police for a transparent process.” Late last year Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama conceded there had been previous incidents within the disciplined forces where individuals or groups resorted to acts of torture or other forms of punishment that violated human rights. But he said there is now a policy of zero tolerance for such abuses. National Federation Party leader Prasad says the way incidents like Nand’s death are handled will show if the prime minister’s assurances can be taken seriously. “It’s one thing for the prime minister to say that they will not be tolerated– and we all agree that no violence of any form should be tolerated by any person including the police and the military – however the credibility of that kind of a statement will be reflected in the way in which we deal with cases that come before the police and the people of this country.” Fiji’s Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde has also spoken about measures being introduced to improve justice for police suspects – such as videotaping statements and providing legal counsel within an hour. Coalition for Human Rights’ Singh says greater effort should be made to improve police procedures in line with Fiji’s human rights commitments. “We understand that police officers potentially experience frustration when dealing with detainees and this can sometimes result in death and injury. “This case highlights a very deep fracture that needs to be addressed within the system. “There should be a very strong reminder to police officers. They are in service to the people. They should not take the law into their own hands.” The police have yet to respond to media requests for comment regarding Nand’s death. A police spokesperson told FBC News they will only comment once investigations into the death are complete. - RNZI