Four Fiji soldiers have been charged with assault relating to a labourer.
Police say the soldiers attacked the canecutter at an isolated area outside Labasa town in July.
Photo: 123RF
Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro says Thomas Lais was questioned by the four officers over a missing hunting rifle from a farmer's house.
Lais had told police the soldiers took him to a nearby mango tree, about 50 metres away from the labourers' camp, and allegedly assaulted him during his interrogation.
Lais also claimed he was hit on the chest with a piece of wood and his face was stomped on by an officer's boots.
Police said the soldiers would be brought before the court soon.
The alleged incident reportedly caused fear among the young men who had travelled with Lais to work on the farm.
Last month, the army said it was not investigating claims its officers assaulted the labourer.
Military Commander Commodore Viliame Naupote said the army would not interfere and was cooperating with the police investigations.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission said it was also investigating the alleged assault.
Director Ashwin Raj said the allegations raised serious concerns about the abuse of authority by law enforcement officers.
In a statement, the commission said law enforcement agencies could not break the law to uphold the law.
It said the fundamental rights of the people had to be respected and the state had an obligation - both under the Constitution and international law to uphold these.
Fiji Human Rights and Anti Discrimation Commission Director Ashwin Raj. Photo: RNZI
