Pacific Media Watch

14 March 2011

FIJI: Human rights watchdog says 'no complaints of abuse' by military

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SUVA: 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. - Radio NZ International/Pacific Media Watch

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Pacific Media Watch is compiled for the Pacific Media Centre as a regional media freedom and educational resource by a network of journalists, students, stringers and commentators. (cc) Creative Commons

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