The High Court in Suva has granted the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission permission to evaluate the living conditions of Epeli Laqeni, who is facing murder charges. Justice Usaia Ratuvili approved two requests from Laqeni’s defense, allowing the commission to conduct interviews with the accused, who is currently in a wheelchair.
Additionally, the court has ordered a medical examination of Laqeni, with a comprehensive medical report to be submitted to the court. Laqeni is charged with one count of murder, an incident that allegedly took place between September 3 and 5 of the previous year in Nakasi, Nausori.
During the proceedings, prosecutor Naazish Ali highlighted that police have not yet started extracting information from the mobile phones of both the victim and the accused. In turn, defense attorney Timoci Varinava requested access to the victim’s call records from September 2025 to further support the defense case.
Laqeni remains in custody as the court has adjourned the matter until January 20, as the legal process continues to unfold. The court’s actions demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that the rights of the accused are being considered alongside the pursuit of justice.
This case remains a significant point of interest, highlighting the complexities of legal proceedings and the importance of procedural integrity in the judicial system.
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