An accused person who claims to have been raped by two convicted prisoners at the Naboro Maximum Prison yesterday requested to be escorted to the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination

by fonua talei suva

An accused person who claims to have been raped by two convicted prisoners at the Naboro Maximum Prison yesterday requested to be escorted to the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission office.

Joseph Christopher, 32, appeared before Suva High Court Judge Justice Vincent Perera represented by Legal Aid Commission lawyer Lavinia David.

Christopher is charged with aggravated robbery where he is alleged to have stolen $3400 cash on November 17 in Nabua last year.

He denies the charge.

Initially, Christopher was remanded at the Suva Remand Centre; however he was transferred to the Maximum Prison after he was allegedly found smuggling and using a mobile phone at the centre.

While appearing in Court yesterday, his lawyer Ms David requested the Court to issue an order for her client to be escorted to the Human Rights Commission so he could lodge an official complaint.

In the last Court appearance, Ms David informed the Court that her client feared for his safety at the Maximum prison as he was being locked up in the same cell as his alleged rapists.

Christopher also requested to be taken to the hospital for a medical examination as he was still bleeding from the alleged incident.

Justice Perera told Ms David to inform the Human Rights Commission of her clients’ intentions so they could make necessary arrangements to record his complaints.

Ms David also informed Justice Perera that Christopher’s Police statement was still yet to be recorded as ordered by the Court on the last occasion.

State lawyer Shirley Tivao responded that the Police liaison officer was present to record Christopher’s statement regarding his allegations and to follow up accordingly with the Totogo Police Station.

Furthermore Christopher stated that he will be calling two witnesses during trial, adding that he was ready to go on trial.

Ms Tivao said they were not relying on Christopher’s caution interview and the State was also ready to proceed to trial.

The case has been adjourned to November 1 for mention.

Christopher was further remanded in custody.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

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