Five cops charged for allegedly assaulting and throwing a man off a bridge in Naqia, Tailevu

Five Police officers have been charged in relation to their alleged involvement in the case of assault involving a man in his 20s in Naqia Village in Wainibuka, Tailevu.

The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission which had carried out its own investigation had said the man was allegedly assaulted and thrown off a bridge by a group of police officers dressed in civilian clothing on 14th April this year.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho says the investigation file was returned from the Office of the DPP who has advised the five officers be charged with various offences including Act with Intent to Cause Grievous Harm, Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm, Common Assault while a female police officer has also been charged with Conspiracy to Defeat Justice and Interfering with Witnesses.

Qiliho says the officers will be processed at the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters today and will be taken to the Nausori Magistrates Court tomorrow.

He says Fijians are assured that reports, where Police Officers have allegedly abused their authority, will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with according to the law.