The Fiji Human Rights Commission said any person detained by the Police for whatever reason is entitled to consult a lawyer.
However, in an interview with Fijivillage News on the Commission's stance on Fiji Times Journalist Serafina Silaitoga being taken in by Police for questioning on a story she had written on Saturday, FHRC Chairperson, Dr Shaista Shameem said since the Journalist has a lawyer they will not make any further comment as they do not know the circumstances of her detention.
Shameem adds that Sections 23 and 27 of the Constitution are relevant in this regard.
Section 23 mainly states that a person must not be deprived of personal liberty except for the purpose of executing the sentence or order of a court in respect of an offence of which the person has been convicted while Section 27 states the rights of a person who is arrested or detained.
Anyone Detained Entitled to Lawyer-FHRC
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