28 Feb 2007

Police in Fiji to question six soldiers over death of 19 year old student

8:23 am on 28 February 2007

Police in Fiji say six soldiers and a police officer will be questioned in connection with the death of a 19 year old student.

The Acting Police Commissioner Romanu Tikotikoca, says the post-mortem result is out but he could not divulge the cause of death of Sakiusa Rabaka because it was part of the evidence.

The youth's mother, Alanieta Rabaka, alleges that he and two friends were severely beaten with kicks to the head and kidneys by soldiers after being picked up outside their house in Nadi.

Mrs Rabaka says the post-mortem results show her son died as a result of blood clots and haemorrhaging to the brain caused by a blunt object which she speculates could have been a soldier's boot.

Acting Commissioner Tikotikoca told the Fiji Times that they will find out who was involved and all the causes leading to the teenager's death.

Mrs Rabaka says she hopes those responsible will be brought to justice.