A Fiji Corrections Service officer, Epeli Laqeni, has appeared in the Nasinu Magistrates Court facing a murder charge for the death of his partner. The incident is said to have occurred between the 3rd and 4th of this month. Arrested on the 5th, Laqeni was later hospitalized for injuries that reportedly resulted from the alleged event. The case has garnered attention due to Laqeni’s position and the nature of the allegations.
During the court proceedings, Laqeni expressed concerns for his safety if detained at the Suva Remand Centre, as he previously worked there and was involved in inmate searches. Consequently, he requested to be held at either the Suva Corrections Centre or the Maximum Security Facility in Naboro. The Magistrate granted his request, ordering his remand at the Suva Corrections Centre.
Full disclosures have been served, and Laqeni has the option to challenge evidence or present an alibi, with a 21-day deadline for filing any such applications. The matter is set to be mentioned at the Suva High Court on the 17th of next month. However, Laqeni is required to reappear in the Nasinu Magistrates Court on October 3rd due to the High Court hearing falling outside the 14-day remand period.
The case forms part of a larger context of alleged domestic violence-related incidents in Fiji, including similar cases that have highlighted ongoing concerns about domestic violence and gender-based crimes. This underscores the importance of thorough legal proceedings and protections for all involved in such serious matters.
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