The military’s Land Force Commander Colonel Sitiveni Qiliho says they will stand by their men who are facing charges in relation to the Iowane Benedito case, as they are innocent until proven guilty.
The suspended police officers - Sanita Laqenasici, Jona Davonu and Semesa Naduka, and soldiers Filimone Catimaibulu and Pita Matairavula are charged with unlawfully and indecently assaulting Iowane Benedito in November 2012.
In an interview with Fijivillage, Colonel Qiliho says the three suspended police officers who are facing the charges, were left on their own, and the RFMF has made the decision to recruit them.
Colonel Qiliho says there was no Police approach made to him for Pita Matairavula to be questioned.
He stresses that police officers cannot just walk into the military installations anywhere in the world.
Colonel Qiliho says although people are bringing up allegations relating to the video brutality, the courts will have the final say.
Colonel Qiliho says they will even dig into their pockets to pay for a civillian lawyer to represent their men in the case.
Colonel Qiliho says no discussions have been held with Police Commissioner Ben Groenewald.
