Fiji's military commander says the army is not investigating claims its officers assaulted a labourer.
Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto Photo: Supplied / Fiji Government
Last month, a cane cutter alleged a group of men in military uniform attacked him after they accused him of stealing a hunting rifle from a farmer's house near Labasa town.
Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto said he had been briefed on the situation.
But Naupoto said the army would not interfere with police investigations into the alleged assault.
"I've been told by staff in the north that there was no assault. I understand that they (alleged victim) has lodged a complaint with the police so that has to be, it has to be followed.
"We'll await the outcome of the police investigations."
Naupoto added, the military was cooperating with the police investigations.
Thomas Lais from Tailevu claimed a group of soldiers assaulted him near a cane farm at Navakasigani, outside Labasa Town.
Lais alleged that one of the officers assaulted him while three others watched.
He lodged a complaint with the police after the alleged incident.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said investigations were continuing.
Commission launches investigation
Meanwhile the Human Rights Commission said it was also investigating the alleged assault.
Director Ashwin Raj said the allegations raised serious concerns about the abuse of authority by law enforcement officers.
In a statement, the commission said law enforcement agencies could not break the law to uphold the law.
It said the fundamental rights of the people had to be respected and the state had an obligation - both under the Constitution and international law to uphold these.
Earlier Raj welcomed police investigations into separate claims of assault against its officers in Nausori.
Naisoro said the victim claimed he was assaulted by police officers following a confrontation in the town.
Raj said he hoped the army would also call for a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged incident in Labasa.
He said if the allegations were found to be true, officers responsible must be held accountable.
Fiji Human Rights and Anti Discrimation Commission Director Ashwin Raj. Photo: RNZI