One of seven Fiji corrections officers alleged to have been involved in the assault of an Australian citizen at the Lautoka Remand Centre has been charged.
The Corrections Service suspended all seven officers last week, after a video depicting a brutal assault of a prisoner by officers in Lautoka went viral on Fijian social media.
The incident occurred on June 14th, according to the timestamp in the footage.
One of the officers, Asaeli Sorovaki, appeared in court on assault charges on Monday. He was granted bail with his case adjourned to September 7th, according to Fiji Village.
The others have yet to see their day in court.
It’s also been revealed that the remand prisoner allegedly beaten by the officers is an Australian citizen.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Corrections said the prisoner had been medically examined and remained stable in custody.
“Meanwhile, the six officers who remain suspended allegedly for breaches relating to the standard operating procedures and lawful instructions in the course of their duties and which are linked to the reported incident will await internal disciplinary proceedings to be heard by the designated Tribunal,” Corrections said.
Corrections maintains that it follows a zero tolerance policy regarding assault or torture by an officer against a prisoner.
