23 Feb 2017

Fiji NGO demands accountability for death in police custody

9:26 am on 23 February 2017

The NGO Coalition for Human Rights in Fiji says no impunity should be given to those responsible for the care of a teenager who died in police custody.

Nalini Singh, Chair of NGO Coalition for Human Rights in Fiji.

Nalini Singh, Chair of NGO Coalition for Human Rights in Fiji. Photo: Supplied/ Fiji Women’s Rights Movement

The police have launched an investigation after Vikrant Nand was found dead at the Nakasi police station last Thursday.

His family claim he was beaten by police prior to his death.

They were reportedly initially told he'd committed suicide, but were given differing accounts of the death by officers.

The Coalition's chair Nalini Singh said they want an independent investigation which would hold those responsible to account.

"Especially in the case where Mr 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," she said.