Fourteen men, who were allegedly involved in attacks against Police officers in Levuka, have been further remanded in custody by the Magistrates Court in Nausori.

They are Samisoni Ralulu, Sekove Naititoko, Penioni Drikibau, Joeli Rabuka, Livai Siga, Josevata Yaqona, Joseva Dovutuisau, Apososa Tacaqe, Mate Yasa, Pita Gauna, Tome Sikau, Peniasi Caginiwaqaiabu, Josaia Yalovigau and Abel Williams.

They appeared before Magistrate Lasitha Chaminda yesterday. They are aged between 20 and 45 and have been charged with various offences such as common nuisance, disobedience of lawful order, serious assault, criminal intimidation, and obstructing a police officer.

All 14 men have sought representation from the Legal Aid Commission. A team of officers from the Police Response Unit was deployed to Levuka after officers based at the Levuka Police Station were attacked by a group of men who were drinking in town on November 9.

Three officers had initially attended to a report where 20 men from Nauouo Village, Vatukalo Village, Toki Village and Waitovu Village were drinking at Beach Street in Levuka Town after 7pm.

The officers had asked the men to clear the area but were threatened and chased. Back up and more police officers were deployed which also included personnel from the National Fire Authority and Fiji Corrections Service.

The second attempt to clear the area resulted in three officers sustaining injuries and three suspects arrested.

Magistrate Chaminda remanded the 14 men and adjourned the case for mention on November 25.

Edited by Percy Kean

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