The High Court in Suva has authorized the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission to assess the living conditions of murder suspect Epeli Laqeni at the remand center. Justice Usaia Ratuvili granted this permission following two motions presented by Laqeni’s defense team, allowing for interviews with the defendant, who is currently wheelchair-bound.
In a significant development, the court has also ordered Laqeni to undergo a medical examination. A detailed medical report is to be provided to the court for its consideration. Laqeni is facing a murder charge connected to an incident that allegedly took place between September 3 and 5 last year in Nakasi, Nausori.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Naazish Ali indicated that police have not yet begun retrieving data from the mobile phones belonging to both the victim and Laqeni. Additionally, defense attorney Timoci Varinava has requested access to the victim’s call records from September 2025 to support their case.
As Laqeni remains in custody, the next hearing is set for January 20. This case exemplifies the intricate nature of legal proceedings and the critical efforts to ensure just evaluations of the circumstances affecting both the accused and the victim. The involvement of the Human Rights Commission demonstrates a commitment to uphold dignity and fairness throughout the judicial process, hoping to pave a way for justice that respects human rights for all parties involved.