The father of Vilikesa Soko, who died after being raped by police while in custody in Fiji, says the prison sentences given to his son's assailants were lenient.
Photo: RNZ
Eight police officers and a soldier were given jail time of between seven and nine years on Tuesday at the High Court in Lautoka.
The father, Jeremaia Soko, said the sentences were reduced by four years due to mitigation.
"At least my family can have some peace at this time and I feel for the families of these police officers and the army officer.
"Although they have been sentenced the court seems to be lenient on that but we can't do much at this stage but, for my family, we will be taking legal action against the government for compensation's sake."
Mr Soko said he did not know if the prison terms would change what he described as a culture of brutality in the Fiji police force.
The nine men, including a former bodyguard of the Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, were convicted of rape, sexual assault and perverting the course of justice by Justice Aruna Aluthge last week.
The court found they had attacked two prisoners, one of whom, Vilikesa Soko, died of his injuries while in custody in Lautoka Hospital in August 2014.
The 30-year-old had been arrested in connection with a robbery in Nadi.
The other victim, Senijeli Boila, survived.
A former human rights commissioner, Shamima Ali, said the prison sentences could deter similar acts of brutality.
"I think there is a very strong message being sent out and a great wake up call for security forces including law enforcement that you cannot get away with this any more," she said.
Ms Ali said the sentences were in keeping with other jail terms given for rape in Fiji, although she would have preferred that they did not include the chance of parole.
