It is sufficient to acknowledge that there is a problem - CJ

There will be arguments over the extent of the problem, but it is sufficient to acknowledge that there is a problem.

Those were the words of Chief Justice Anthony Gates during the 18th Attorney General’s Conference while referring to the incidents of brutality inflicted by law enforcement authorities of Fiji on suspects of crime or on prison escapees which may involve the Police, the Military or the Corrections Service.

Chief Justice Gates says it would be naïve and simplistic to think as some have suggested that this has occurred due to the military coup.

He says those commentators have not been around long enough to know what has been happening in Fiji prior to 1987.

He says prisoners are human beings and must be treated with dignity.

Chief Justice Gates says plans are now finalized for a new holding cell at the government buildings court complex in Suva.

He says the current cells are totally inadequate and he hopes that this will be completed by 2017 as it is long overdue.

The Chief Justice adds that the completion of the Suva Remand Centre was a milestone achievement but there is more to be done.

He says all of this work is designed to reduce violence.

Chief Justice Gates also says that one of the most successful ways of removing violence from the investigation process is to have clear corroborative evidence available.

He says video recordings of all police interview, with a lawyer present at the police station to provide advice to the suspect prior to the interview and if necessary to be present during the interview have led to effective procedures.

He adds that the results are that interview statements are not contested and allegations of impropriety or of violence do not arise.

The Chief Justice says the courts also do not waste endless hours and days on trials within trials disputing what happened at the police station.

He says the transparency accorded by the use of video camera could be extended to cover the execution of search warrants by the police to the recapture of an escapee.