Robbery accused claims he was raped by inmates

A 32-year-old man facing aggravated robbery charges claimed in the Suva High Court yesterday that he was raped by two convicted prisoners at the Naboro Maximum Prison.

Joseph Christopher appeared before Justice Vincent Perera and requested that he be taken to the hospital because he needed medication. He also stated that he was still bleeding from the alleged rape.

When questioned, Christopher said he did not know why he was being remanded at the Naboro Maximum Prison and not at the Suva Remand Centre. He claims to have been raped by two inmates whom he was placed with at the Naboro Maximum prison. He also told Justice Perera that he feared for his safety if he returned to the maximum facility.

State lawyer Shirley Tivao later clarified that the accused was transferred to the Naboro Maximum facility because he was caught smuggling contrabands into the Remand Centre.

Ms Tivao indicated that she had spoken to the officer who was in charge of the accused and she was informed that Christopher had smuggled a mobile phone into the complex and was found using it.

Defence lawyer requested Justice Perera to issue an order for the accused to be escorted to the Totogo Police Station for his statement to be taken regarding the rape allegation. Justice Perera later advised the accused to inform the Police that his alleged rapists were locked up in the same place.

Christopher is alleged to have stolen $3400 cash in Nabua last year on November 17. The case has been adjourned to October 25 for mention.