Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Fiji police say 16 cases filed over alleged assault by military

Posted at 02:02 on 28 May, 2007 UTC

Police in Fiji have confirmed receiving 16 alleged assault cases on civilians by the military and are continuing with their investigations.

A police spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent Ulaiasi Ravula, said the cases would be handled like any other normal assault cases.

He told the Fiji Times the police would have to receive medical reports to establish how serious the allegations were.

Since the December military takeover, former parliamentarians and members of the public have been taken to the camp for questioning, with some claiming they were assaulted for speaking against the military.

In earlier reports, acting Police Commissioner Romanu Tikotikoca said they would consult with the military in the course of investigations concerning the cases.

He confirmed receiving former parliamentarian Ted Young’s complaint about an alleged assault by a senior military officer last week.

Mr Young was taken up to the army camp for comments he made in one of the local daily newspapers.

He claimed upon arrival at the barracks he was punched several times by a senior officer.

There has been an undertaking by the military to respect human rights.