Fiji Human Rights Watchdog Says No Complaints Of Abuse

Fiji Human Rights Watchdog Says No Complaints Of Abuse By Military

http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=59348

SUVA (Radio NZ International/Pacific Media Watch): The Fiji Human Rights Commission says it has not received any recent complaints of alleged abuse, detainment or intimidation by the disciplinary forces.

Amnesty International has expressed concern about intimidation and beatings involving a government critic, several trade unionists and a former cabinet minister.

The Commission’s Officer in Charge, Rajinesh Mishra, says it is aware of recent media reports and his staff are on the alert for complaints from victims of torture and abuse at the hands of the services.

Mishra says the commission is investigating earlier complaints of brutality and ill- treatment by other members of the disciplined services.

He says people should be assured it treats all complaints with urgency.

The commission has a mandate under the Fiji regime’s Human Rights Decree to protect and promote human rights for Fiji citizens.

ENDS

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