Two suspended police officers charged in connection with the death of Josua Lalauvaki, appeared at the High Court in Suva yesterday.

Kelepi Duri Tautaumacala Kolinisau and Ratu Selema Steven Dennis Tikoenaburevere have each been charged with one count of murder.

It’s alleged the two officers assaulted 26-year-old Lalauvaki outside a nightclub in Suva on September 2, last year.

Lalauvaki later died at Suva’s CWM hospital on October 11 as a result of injuries he sustained from the alleged assault.

In court yesterday, the Judge Justice Vincent Perera asked the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission lawyer to give reasons as to why they’re intervening in the case.

FHRADC lawyer in response told the court the commission can intervene in such matters according to the 2009 Human Rights Act.

The lawyer also told the court that another reason is because the officers filed an application of violation of the right to life and freedom.

Justice Perera said the court had yet to decide that there was a breach of violation and rights of the accused persons.

The counsel representing FHRADC informed the court that they did not have proof of the violation of rights of the two accused persons.

Justice Perera told the counsel to do his job and not waste the court’s time.

Meanwhile, the State also informed the high court judge they had requested the commission to explain why they are intervening.

The matter has been adjourned to April 15th for mention.