2 Jul 2013

Fiji Police refuse any further comment on beating video

4:34 am on 2 July 2013

Fiji Police say they will not make any further comment on investigations into a video showing Fijian security personnel beating recaptured prison escapees that released on the internet in March.

FijiVillage reports the chief of operations, Rusiate Tudravu, has given no reason for the decision.

He earlier said investigations into the video were ongoing and he could not reveal whether anyone in the video had been identified.

At least four of the five men, who escaped from Naboro prison, were hospitalised, including one who had to have his leg amputated after being captured in a joint operation by police and soldiers.

Fiji's Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has not condemned the violence, but instead praised the work of security personnel for protecting citizens from hardened criminals.