Eight jailed former Fiji police officers and a former soldier have failed to get bail while trying to appeal their jail sentences for rape of two men - one of whom died of his injuries.
Photo: Fiji Police
Last year, the nine were imprisoned for raping Vilikesa Soko and Senijeli Boila in 2014.
Fijivillage reported that the Appeals Court Judge Justice Suresh Chandra rejected their bail application but ordered that the case to be heard in the Fiji Court of Appeal as soon as possible.
Manasa Talala and Seruvi Caqusau were sentenced to eight years imprisonment with a non-parole period of five years, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna and Senitiki Natakasavu were sentenced to seven years imprisonment with a non-parole period of four years while Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu and Pita Matairavula were sentenced to nine years imprisonment with a non-parole period of six years.
Manasa Talala, Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu, Pita Matairavula and Senitiki Natakasavu were each charged with the rape and sexual assault of Vilikesa Soko and Senijeli Boila.
Matairavula was the prime minister's personal body guard.