A suspect known to Police has been questioned for the alleged sexual assault of a Virgin Australia crew member in the early hours of yesterday morning in a nightclub area in Martintar, Nadi.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka says there were two separate alleged incidents, one being alleged theft and the other being alleged sexual assault which affected two different crew members.
He says their thoughts and concerns are with them and for their health and well-being and says these alleged incidents are regrettable.
Gavoka has also refuted reports by various international media claiming that the crew are being ‘detained’ as this is incorrect and false.
The Deputy Prime Minister says the crew, who are in good health, are being accommodated at a local hotel which is the nominated crew accommodation for layovers.
He says the three crew members were also advised by their headquarters to remain within the hotel vicinity to ensure contactability and assist with Police investigations; they should return home before the end of this week.
Gavoka is urging the international media to exercise caution in their reporting and avoid sensationalising incidents without facts.
He says regrettably, incidents like this can happen anywhere and Fiji is not immune.
The Deputy Prime Minister says they, as always, remind tourists to exercise caution in nightclub areas and late at night.
When fijivillage News contacted Virgin Australia they said they were aware of an incident in Nadi, adding their focus is on the well-being of their team members affected.
They confirm that their crew were not detained, they were advised to stay at the hotel.
Virgin Australia says they have sent people over to provide support and out of respect for their crew will not be providing further comment.
