Representational Image.
Suva, Fiji:
Fiji has charged four security personnel with sexual assault over an alleged attack on an escaped prisoner that was filmed and prompted outrage when footage was posted online, prosecutors said today.
The attack allegedly took place in November 2012 after two prisoners escaped and were recaptured, with the video emerging on YouTube in March 2013.
The graphic mobile phone footage appeared to show the pair being beaten with batons and iron bars by their laughing captors, with one of them attacked around his buttocks and genitals.
It was condemned at the time by the UN Commission on Human Rights and Amnesty International, who labelled it torture and demanded those responsible be brought to justice.
Fiji's Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde said on Wednesday that four security personnel -- three police officers and one soldier -- had been charged with sexual assault.
Pryde said they were remanded in custody to reappear on October 28 in Nasinu Magistrates Court.
He added that police were searching for a fifth suspect, a soldier.
"The police are to be commended for completing a difficult investigation," Pryde said in a statement.
"This case reinforces the continuing commitment of the state to bring to justice any person who thinks that their position places them above the due process of the law."
The attack allegedly took place in November 2012 after two prisoners escaped and were recaptured, with the video emerging on YouTube in March 2013.
The graphic mobile phone footage appeared to show the pair being beaten with batons and iron bars by their laughing captors, with one of them attacked around his buttocks and genitals.
It was condemned at the time by the UN Commission on Human Rights and Amnesty International, who labelled it torture and demanded those responsible be brought to justice.
Fiji's Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde said on Wednesday that four security personnel -- three police officers and one soldier -- had been charged with sexual assault.
Pryde said they were remanded in custody to reappear on October 28 in Nasinu Magistrates Court.
He added that police were searching for a fifth suspect, a soldier.
"The police are to be commended for completing a difficult investigation," Pryde said in a statement.
"This case reinforces the continuing commitment of the state to bring to justice any person who thinks that their position places them above the due process of the law."
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