14 men who allegedly attacked three Police Officers in Levuka on Saturday night have been remanded in custody.
Samisoni Ralulu, Sekove Naitioko, Penioni Dirikibau, Joeli Rabuka, Livai Siga, Josevata Yaqona, Aporosa Tacaqe, Tome Sikau, Nate Yaca, Pita Gauna, Peniasi Caginiwaqaiabu, Josaia Yalovigau, Joseva Dovutuisau and Abel Williams appeared in the Nausori Magistrates Court.
Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne refused bail saying it was a matter of public interest. He has advised the fourteen to formally apply for bail.
The 14 are aged between 20 to 45 years and have been charged with various offences such as common nuisance, disobedience of lawful order, serious assault, criminal intimidation, and obstructing a police officer.
3 officers had initially attended to a report where 20 men from Nauouo Village, Vatukalo Village, Toki Village and Waitovu Village were drinking along Beach Street in Levuka Town after 7pm on Saturday.
The officers had asked the men to clear the area but were threatened and chased.
Police say the officers called for backup and more police officers were deployed which also included officers from the National Fire Authority and Fiji Corrections Service.
They say the second attempt made to clear the area resulted in three of the officers sustaining injuries.
The men were then arrested by a Special Response Team deployed from Suva.
The 14 have chosen to seek legal aid assistance.
The case will be called again this Friday.
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