Pacific

Father of dead Fiji teenager not surprised those responsible released early

08:05 am on 7 May 2009

The father of a teenager who was killed by eight soldiers and a police officer in Fiji two years ago says he is not surprised by their early release from prison.

19 year-old Sakiusa Rabaka died about a month after he was detained and assaulted at the Black Rock military site in Nadi in January 2007.

The nine men were sentenced in March to four years in prison for his manslaughter and four months for assault but have since been released under a community service order.

Sakiusa Rabaka's father, Peni Rabaka, says he would have expected the men to serve at least half the four year and four month sentences they received.

"It's sad to us and we are not surprised because this is their government, military government, they own the government, they run the government, they do whatever they like to their people. These are soldiers and police, we can't do much."

Peni Rabaka says he is confused about what to do now as there is no constitution in place.