Officer charged after alleged assault at Lautoka Remand Centre

A Fiji Corrections Service officer has been charged over an alleged assault at the Lautoka Remand Centre, while six other officers remain suspended pending disciplinary action following the completion of an internal investigation.

The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) confirmed today that its investigation into the alleged assault, which circulated on social media, had been completed.

During the investigation, two senior officers and one junior officer holding senior appointments in the Western Division were suspended to allow an unimpeded investigation. Three subordinate officers were also suspended after their alleged involvement emerged during the inquiry.

The FCS said the key suspect, Corrections Officer Class (COC) Asaeli Sorovaki, had been charged by Police and appeared in court today on assault charges.

The officer was granted bail and is due to reappear in court next month. He remains suspended from the Fiji Corrections Service.

The alleged victim, an Australian citizen in custody, has undergone a medical examination and remains in a stable condition.

Meanwhile, the six suspended officers will face internal disciplinary proceedings before a designated tribunal over alleged breaches of standard operating procedures and instructions linked to the incident.

The Fiji Corrections Service reiterated that it has a zero-tolerance policy on the assault or torture of prisoners by correctional officers.