PRISON authorities have ordered an inquiry into the events which left convict Jo Baleiloa in a coma at the weekend. Acting Prisons Commissioner Auta Moceisuva directed a full board of inquiry into the events leading to Baleiloa's recapture and hospitalisation. Mr Moceisuva yesterday said: "I am aware of Baleiloa's hospitalisation however, I am not aware of his health condition because I have not seen any medical report."

He said on Saturday a preliminary investigation was carried out but directed a full board of inquiry after reading the preliminary report. "I will be able to answer further queries until the board of inquiry is completed. This will be for a period of seven days. He said section 19 of the Prisons Regulation allowed force to be used on any escapee but no more force was necessary after the prisoner was subdued.

Mr Moceisuva said the BOI would clarify the question of excessive force. Meanwhile Colonial War Memorial Hospital general manager Doctor Eloni Tora yesterday said there was no improvement to Baleiloa's critical condition. "Since this morning there has not been any change to his condition," said Dr Tora.

Baleiloa escaped from Naboro Medium Prison two weeks ago and was recaptured by police and prison guards at Cunningham last week. Police spokeswoman Ema Mua said police were guarding Baleiloa in hospital. Ms Mua said she could not comment on the issue of force used during the arrest saying she would have to wait for Baleiloa to be discharged and give his statement.

She however said force should not be an issue at all in an arrest saying suspects should not resist arrest. "We have noticed that retaliation against police officers has increased over the past few weeks and a lot of officers have received injuries in these incidents,' she said.

Fiji Human Rights Commission chairperson Dr Shaista Shameem said they would wait for the findings of the internal inquiry by interim Defence Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau before making any further comments.

Dr Shameem said the medical report would also be relevant in this case.

Report By MONIKA SINGH

The Fiji Times