Police dispute Ms Ali's claims

The Fiji Police Force strongly refutes claims made by Ms Shamima Ali the Coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre who in a press conference expressed concern over the handling of domestic violence cases citing a recent incident in Malolo, Nadi.

In media articles, reference is being made by Ms Ali of an eyewitness, whose brother-in-law was in custody for domestic violence, claiming that the police released him the day after his arrest.

Ms Ali claims that despite a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, the police advised the woman to share a house with the man, but to stay in separate bedrooms, and went on to criticize police’s handling of the case, and claims that such negligence has led to preventable harm in the past.

Ms Ali is quoted in the following FBC article (https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/concerns-raised-over-police-response-to-domestic-violence/) stating, “The Nadi Police told the man, to go home, and stay in the same house, but in separate bedrooms.

I mean, if you know about domestic violence, it’s so dangerous for them to be together, he needs to be put away.” The Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew said the statement by Ms Ali was riddled with false information, which was solely aimed at discrediting the Fiji Police Force.

“The Fiji Police Force has never shied away from taking responsibility when officers have failed to conduct their duties in accordance with the law, as we strive to ensure professionalism across all facets of Police work.

Ms Ali’s assertion of the inaction or the poor handling of the case in Nadi can not go unchallenged as it was malicious in its intent to discredit the organization.”

Mr Chew said while the organisation sympathised with the tragic deaths of the two victims, the truth behind what transpired must be released to reassure Fijians that the “NO DROP POLICY” remains strictly enforced, and any breach by officers will result in disciplinary action.

The following outlines in chronological order the handling of the said case referred to by Ms Ali.

The Acting Commissioner said Nadi Police had promptly responded to a call by the victim on the 08th January 2025 at 11.20am, whereby the victim had stated that her husband had threatened her, resulting in his arrest at 11.25am where he was taken to the Nadi Police Station, where all necessary procedures were followed. He was charged with criminal intimidation contrary to section 375(1)(a)(i)(iv) of the Crimes Act 2009.

Mr Chew confirms that he was kept in custody and produced at Nadi Magistrate Court on the following day (09/01/25).

At the Nadi Magistrate Court, the police prosecutor presented the said domestic violence case in court, whereby the Magistrate granted the suspect bail, after hearing from the victim that they have reconciled and had also assured that she was safe.

Mr Chew clarified that a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) was imposed under section 27 of the Domestic Violence Act, whereby the magistrate granted that the suspect move back in with the victim.

No report was again for a breach of the DVRO, and Nadi Police were only alerted of the victims' tragic deaths by a neighbor who reported the matter.

The Fiji Police Force will continue to stand firm on the “No Drop Policy” for all domestic cases, and assures members of the public that no exceptions are made when a police officer is a suspect, as all cases are investigated equally as they would as any other citizen.

We are also appealing to Non Government organisations (NGO’s) and civil society to refer all domestic violence cases to the police for the law to take its course.

We are also appealing for members of the communities to follow proper channels and report against Police Conduct and Services through our Internal Affairs Unit.

The Acting Commissioner said the Divisional Police Commanders, Directors, Assistant Commissioners can always be reached to clarify such issues, as irresponsible statements made without any verification can cause major harm to victim’s of domestic violence wanting to come forward to report crimes.

He added the training on the handling of domestic violence cases is done not only at the Fiji Police Academy, but at the Divisional level and facilitated by various national, regional and international stakeholders as well as the FWCC.

Mr Chew is urging Ms Ali to reach out to any of the senior command or Divisional managers to address issues of non-compliance should they receive complaints so that the matter can be addressed immediately, as these are issues that cannot and should not wait for a meeting, press release or press conference to be addressed.