Disturbing images may be from 2009 drug raids

FIJI – Fiji’s police chief says he has ordered an investigation after photos recently emerged on social media of men sporting injuries after allegedly being held captive by police officers.

The photos show shots of several men with bruises and cuts, and one lying with a bandaged head and hands tied.

Men in uniform are seen in the background.

There is concern the images related to a recent joint police and military operation to crack down on marijuana farms in Fiji’s highlands, known as “Operation Cavuraka”.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has released a statement to Fiji media saying he had been alerted to the photos regarding alleged misconduct of officers who are part of Operation Cavuraka.

He said during a visit to the operation team he had stressed the need to respect the rights of suspects and he said a thorough investigation would take place.

“I can assure members of the public that I have ordered a thorough investigation be conducted to determine what took place,” he said.

“During an earlier visit to the operation team in Keiyasi, I had stressed the need to respect the rights of suspects and any reports indicating otherwise will be dealt with accordingly,” said Brigadier-General Qiliho.

“I do not condone any of my officers abusing their powers and necessary disciplinary action will be taken against those who do.”

However, some Fiji media say they have evidence the photos were taken during raids in the hinterlands of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu in 2009.

A relative of one of the victims is reported to have said it is the first time the shocking photos had been made public.

The Fiji Times has speculated that the “shocking and graphic pictures circulating on social media that allege police brutality as recently as 2014, may have actually been taken in 2009”.

The pictures were posted on a social media site by a user who initially claimed they were taken in 2014. But one of the alleged victims, Vilimoni Mateiwai, of Nakoro Village in Navosa, claims the incident actually took place in 2009.

Mateiwai said he was with two farmers in the pictures, alleging they were tortured with knives and sticks and had hot water poured on them by police officers during the raid.

He said a group comprising about 20 policemen and soldiers raided a farm where he worked and the three were all found in possession of marijuana.

“I had hot water poured on my back. It was still boiling. You know how one is tortured – it was with knives and sticks. I still have scars on my back.”

Commissioner of Police Qiliho said he was aware of the reports but was still trying to find out whether they came from the recent Operation Cavuraka.

The Director of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, Ashwin Raj, welcomed the decision by the Commissioner of Police to order fresh investigations in relation to the allegations of police brutality in order to ascertain the veracity of the claims.

Raj said that human rights of all persons as outlined in the Constitution must always be protected and preserved, including the rights of arrested and detained persons. - PNC