Epeli Laqeni, who is accused of murdering his partner, has appealed to the courts for bail primarily due to health concerns. Currently wheelchair-bound, Laqeni is seeking what his lawyer, Timoci Varinava, describes as essential medical care to enable him to walk again. The bail request is not for luxury but rather for basic treatment that could prevent long-term disability.
Laqeni, who previously worked as a corrections officer, faces a murder charge related to the death of his de facto partner, which allegedly took place between September 3 and 5 of the previous year in Nakasi, Nausori. In his arguments, Varinava presented a medical report advocating for surgery and physiotherapy. He highlighted the inadequacies of the prison medical services, noting that the facility’s doctor is not a specialist capable of addressing Laqeni’s specific health needs.
Additionally, Varinava referred to a report from the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, which revealed that ten remandees were crowded into a six-bed infirmary, forcing Laqeni to sleep on the floor—a situation that raises significant concerns about the conditions in which he is being held.
Prosecutor Naazish Ali contested the bail request by asserting that the current medical facilities adequately support Laqeni’s recovery and that he could receive necessary surgery while remaining in custody. Ali described the allegations of verbal abuse against prison staff as “malicious and frivolous.”
The court’s ruling on Laqeni’s bail application is expected to be delivered by Justice Usaia Ratuvili on February 24, creating significant anticipation regarding both Laqeni’s health and the broader implications of this case on human rights standards within the prison system. This situation reflects ongoing discussions about the treatment of inmates and the adequacy of medical care in correctional facilities, highlighting the importance of health and safety for all individuals in custody.
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