17 Apr 2012

Court case against Fiji businessman Padarath dropped

4:26 pm on 17 April 2012

The Fiji magistrate's court has dismissed the case against a businessman Ben Padarath who had been charged with concealing false government documents.

Fijivillage reports that decision was made after the state could not proceed with the trial date although it had already been deferred last November.

Mr Padarath was one of the civilians alleged to have been tortured by a select group of soldiers, who operate under the commander himself.

The claims was made by a former top officer, Ratu Tevita Mara, who fled Fiji last year when he was on bail in a sedition case.

The regime declined to comment on the allegation.