Police confirm assault claim

Anare Balewai, a 31-year-old electrician, claims he was assaulted by police officers at the Nakasi Police Station a few weeks ago. Mr. Balewai has filed a police report, which the police have confirmed receiving. Simultaneously, the police officer involved has also filed a complaint against Mr. Balewai.

Mr. Balewai stated that he was drinking with friends when the police arrived at the scene. "They were verbally abusive towards us, and I verbally abused them back. That's when they started beating me," Mr. Balewai said, describing the escalation of the situation.

He claims the officers charged him with drunk and disorderly conduct and aggravated assault, but he denies assaulting any officer. Mr. Balewai further stated that at the police station, officers continued to assault him, including pulling his ears and lifting him up against a wall. He claims five officers were involved and that they gathered to pray after the alleged assault.

In response, the Fiji Police Force confirmed that both parties have filed reports. "A report has been lodged by the victim, and a report has also been received against the victim alleging resisting arrest and damaging property," the police statement reads. Police stated they were attending to a disturbance case and the victim was intoxicated during the arrest.

The police further confirmed that they have received reports against both the officers and the victim. Currently, detailed information on the progress of the investigation has not been provided by the authorities.