21 Oct 2015

Four charged with sexual assault over Fiji torture video

8:42 pm on 21 October 2015
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

Three Fiji police officers and a soldier have been charged over the beating of a man which was shown in a video leaked online.

The video showed Iowane Benedito and another man handcuffed and being beaten by police officers in November 2012 after they were recaptured following their escape from prison.

The video received worldwide condemnation.

The Fiji Times reports police officers Sanita Laqenasici, Jona Davonu, Semesi Naduka, and soldier Filimone Catimaibulu have been charged with the sexual assault of Mr Benedito.

It says all four have opted to be tried in the Magistrates' Court with the State saying it will oppose bail when a formal application is made.

They will be next in court, for mention, October 28th.