6 Nov 2012

Still no sign of Fiji medical report into escaped prisoners' injuries

6:27 pm on 6 November 2012

The Fiji police say they still haven't received a medical report on the injuries received by five escaped prisoners during their recapture in late September, while further claims of mistreatment are emerging.

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

There have been unconfirmed reports that some of the men were also scolded with hot water as well as those who have been remanded for harbouring and aiding them.

The assistant comissioner of police, Rusiate Tudravu, says any claims should be brought to them and they are a transparent organisation that no one should be scared of.

He suggested calling the hospital to find out when the medical report will be finished butthe medical superintendent at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital referred inquiries back to the police.

Despite its role in the search and recapture of the escapees the military says it's not carrying out an investigation.