A total of 95 sexual offence cases were filed in the high court in Fiji in May this year. Among these cases, there was an incident involving a 14-year-old who was charged with four counts of rape and seven counts of sexual assault against an 11-year-old girl.
The 14-year-old was the only juvenile among 39 accused individuals who were charged with offences against 31 victims, including one male victim. Of the 31 victims, 20 were under the age of 18.
The offenses committed in these cases included attempted rape, abduction with the intent to engage in sexual activity, defilement, and indecent assault. Additionally, there were 17 incidents that involved individuals who were related to the victims. In one incident, a 63-year-old man was charged with multiple offences against his 16-year-old stepdaughter, a 53-year-old man was charged with multiple offences against his 17-year-old niece, and a 67-year-old man was charged with multiple offences against his 12-year-old grandniece. Other incidents involved cousins, de facto partners, sister-in-law, and wife.
Nine men were charged with the rape of a 17-year-old, but the matter was discontinued due to insufficient evidence. Six cases were withdrawn after discontinuances (Nolle Prosequi) were filed due to insufficient evidence and victims admitting to making false complaints.
