3 Dec 2014

Fiji probe of torture video delayed

4:25 pm on 3 December 2014

Fiji's Police Commissioner says one of the victims of last year's videotaped beating by security personnel is assisting with investigations.

Video footage of a man allegedly being beaten by Fiji security personnel in 2012.

Video footage of a man allegedly being beaten by Fiji security personnel in 2012. Photo: RNZ

The video, which was released in March last year, showed the prolonged beating of two recaptured prisoners, prompting international condemnation and calls for an investigation.

In July, police said the file was closed, but a week later the newly-appointed commissioner Ben Groenewald reopened the case, citing an administrative error.

The commissioner now says he reopened the case because one of the victims, who is still serving time, changed his mind and is willing to assist.

Last month, Mr Groenewald said the probe was to be done by the end of November, but he now says he hopes it will be done by the end of the year.

"I have my thumb on it and they will not get out of it until I am satisfied that the case docket will be submitted again to the DPP. Keep in mind, that the police has no power to prosecute, the prosecuting power lies with the Director of Public Prosecutions."

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