Acting COMPOL orders back handcuffing rule after violent attack on reporter

I will direct operations to have everyone appearing in court to be handcuffed from the back.

This has been announced by Acting Commissioner of Police Aporosa Lutunauga to fijivillage News following the violent attack on Fijian journalist Apenisa Waqairadovu outside court today.

Waqairadovu, a journalist with FBC, suffered injuries to his arms and hands after being assaulted by convicted murderer Sairusi Ceinaturaga.

Ceinaturaga had just been found guilty of murdering the one-year-old child of his defacto partner.

Ceinaturaga, still in handcuffs but with his hands secured at the front, exited the courtroom ahead of an accompanying Police officer.

Ceinaturaga chased Waqairadovu, threatened him, swore at him and eventually pushed him down the stairs in a shocking outburst of violence.

Acting Commissioner Lutunauga described the incident as “unfortunate” and says the Fiji Police Force will implement measures to ensure it is not repeated.

He confirms that Waqairadovu has lodged a file with police, and that a full investigation will be conducted.

Lutunauga adds that if similar incidents occur in the future, jounalists can always report the matter to the police, and Internal Affairs will investigate.