Three foreign nationals, Dai Ming Hui, Yu Yuan Feng, and Zhou Lan, faced serious drug-related charges in the Magistrate’s Court in Suva yesterday. They are accused of unlawfully possessing 39.5 grams of methamphetamine and holding suspected proceeds from criminal activities.
During the proceedings, Defense attorney Shirley Tivao raised alarming allegations regarding the treatment of the second accused, who purportedly suffered an assault by a prison officer named Moape while in custody. Additionally, she noted that the first and third accused have developed skin rashes during their time at the remand center.
Concerns about the health and safety of the individuals prompted the defense to pursue medical reports from the remand center to assess whether further medical attention is necessary. Tivao requested that the accused be taken to a police station to file an official complaint regarding the alleged assault. The State subsequently informed the court that the defense could submit the complaint on behalf of the accused.
Furthermore, the defense urged for the medical reports from the remand center to be presented before the next court hearing. Magistrate Sufia Hamza acknowledged the request, ordering that the medical records be made available for the next court appearance. She also instructed the State to coordinate with the Fiji Corrections Service to guarantee compliance with the order.
In a related request, State prosecutor Eoghn Samisoni sought an order allowing the second accused to unlock his mobile phone to assist in the ongoing police investigation, which the court acknowledged.
The case was adjourned to January 14 for further mention, with the accused remaining in custody until that date. This situation underscores the ongoing legal process and the emphasis on proper treatment and welfare in custody, reflecting the importance of justice within the legal framework.
Leave a comment