Pacific

Fiji police mum over obstruction of justice claim

11:45 am on 27 November 2015

The Fiji police have declined to comment on whether there will be an investigation of the military officers who allegedly thwarted efforts to arrest a fugitive.

Early this month, the court heard Pita Matairavula, wanted in connection with the 2012 videotaped beating of two prison escapees, was being harboured by the military.

It is alleged police were denied entry to the military barracks when they tried to arrest him.

Fiji's former police commissioner, Ben Groenewald, has called for an independent criminal investigation into the incident, saying it played a big role in his decision to resign.

He says the military officers obstructed the course of justice.

Mr Matairavula is a former body guard of the prime minister, Frank Bainimarama.