21 Jul 2014

Fiji's Sodelpa would reopen video probe

1:16 pm on 21 July 2014

Fiji's Sodelpa party has promised to reopen the investigation into last year's beating of two men which was filmed and widely viewed on the web.

Fiji police say they have closed their investigation into the incident after launching a probe soon after the video clip came to light in March last year.

The police have refused to comment on their investigation despite widespread condemnation of the attacks which were allegedly dealt out by plain clothed members of Fiji's security forces.

Sodelpa's leader Ro Teimumu Kepa says the probe's closure is a massive blow to the rule of law.

The party has demanded an explanation from Fiji's new police commissioner, the South African Ben Groenewald.

She says a Sodelpa government would want to know what kind of inquiry was conducted and how many people were interviewed.

Sodelpa has also called on the Prime Minister and FijiFirst leader, Frank Bainimarama, to explain his party's policy on the application of the law.