by Ryan L. Maness
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

SUVA, Fiji — (For background on this story, please see Impunity Watch’s coverage here ).  Millionaire businessman Ballu Khan was released from the hospital today and was taken into Fiji police to be questioned regarding his alleged involvement in the assassination of Fiji interim Prime Minister Bainimarama.  Khan had been hospitalized for what was ultimately discovered to be a fracture at the base of his skull and a fracture of his left cheek bone.  Some reports also indicate that Khan’s rib was broken.  The Fiji police insist that the injuries were sustained when Khan resisted arrest.

Beyond the physical injuries that Khan sustained, there is concern about his psychological health.  A medical report prepared bya surgeon at Suva’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, and the head of Suva’s School of Medical Sciences, Professor Eddie McCaigsaid, “‘The psychological effect of his confinement and assault is evident in his inability to sleep and the fact he hasn’t eaten for four days.”  It went on to say that, “‘We are continually reminded of his ‘verbal assaults’ and ‘not been left alone”’.

Khan’s lawyer, Tevita Fa, says that his client should be returned to the hospital to receive further treatment for his injuries.  According to Fa, Khan, who was admitted to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital two weeks ago, still looks weak.

Relatedly, military and police officers have raided Khan’s home at Udu Point on Vanua Levu.  Military spokesman Mosese Tikoitoga confirmed that the mission did take place, but that he had not yet received word on what may have been found during the course of the raid.

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International — Conspiracy suspect Khan in Fiji police custody after hospital detention — 14 November 2007

Fiji Times — Khan suffered skull, cheekbone injuries — 14 November 2007

Radio New Zealand International — Lawyer concerned for the health of New Zealander in police custody — 14 November 2007

Fiji Times — Army raid Khan’s Waisavu home –14 November 2007

New Zealand Herald — Fijian Kiwi has fractured skull, cheekbone doctor says — 14 November 2007

Fiji Times — Khan discharged from hospital — 14 November 2007