29 Apr 2020

Suspended Fiji police plead not guilty to assault charges

4:36 pm on 29 April 2020

Three suspended police officers in Fiji, accused of assaulting a man last year, have pleaded not guilty in the Suva High Court this week.

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Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koroi Hawkins

A transfer application by the trio's lawyer has been granted and the case will now be heard in the Navua Magistrates Court.

Benedito Bolabiu, Laisenia Nawau and Lasaro Turagadrau have been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.

Mr Bolabiu also faced additional charges of acts with the intent to cause grievous harm, conspiracy to defeat justice and interference with witnesses.

Mr Nawau and Mr Turagadrau also faced charges of aiding and abetting acts intended to cause grievous harm.

The trio are accused of assaulting Manasa Rayasidamu by striking his leg with a concrete block and pouring hot water on his back.

All three men have been bailed with the matter adjourned to 1 June.

There are currently nine other police officers suspended over a separate matter involving a man allegedly being thrown off a bridge in the village of Naqia.