SUVA, Fiji — Ballu Khan is suing the interim government of Fiji for $26 million for his maltreatment at the hands of police officials.  Khan, who was detained following an alleged assassination attempt against interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama, is still in hospital healing from the fractured skull and cheekbone that he received while in police custody.  The suit, filed by Peter Williams QC, alleges that the Fijian military police are guilty of assault, battery and wrongful imprisonment.

The suit alleges that Khan did not resist arrest, but that he was still severely beaten and military police officials were indifferent to whether Khan lived or died.  Williams says that this treatment is tantamount to torture.

Solicitor-General Christopher Pryde has called this request for compensation “extraordinary and outrageous”.  He has said that the government of Fiji will vigorously defend itself from this lawsuit.  The interim PM has commented that he believes that the New Zealand businessman is faking his injuries.

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International —  New Zealand businessman injured by Fiji police, seeks millions for maltreatment — 22 November 2007

Radio New Zealand International — Ballu Khan suing Fiji interim government alleging assault and battery, and wrongful imprisonment — 22 November 2007

Radio New Zealand International — Lawyer says Fiji military’s treatment of suspect tantamount to torture — 22 November 2007

Fiji Times Online — Ballu sues State for $40m — 22 November 2007