First-hour procedure reduces allegations of ill-treatment and an attitude change in the Fiji Police Force - Ali

Legal Aid Commission Director, Shahin Ali says the first-hour procedure has been their greatest achievement, and it has seen a reduction in allegations of ill-treatment and an attitude change in the Fiji Police Force when dealing with suspects.

Ali highlighted this in his opening statement on the Universal Periodic Review of Fiji’s National Reports at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

He says the first-hour procedure has also helped in the shift towards actual evidence gathering as opposed to reliance on confession.

Ali says the Legal Aid Commission has also attended 5,000 first hour cases from 2016 to date.

He adds 60 percent of applicants of domestic violence cases are women.

Ali says with the establishment of specialised units, they are now able to better deal with sensitive cases involving children.

He says they also conduct prison visits and have taken up cases by prisoners for alleged ill-treatment and torture and refer complaints to relevant authorities when necessary.