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SUVA - A New Zealander held in Fiji over suspicions he was involved in a plot to kill its prime minister suffered a fractured skull and cheekbone when he was beaten during his arrest, a medical report shows.
Millionaire businessman Ballu Khan has been under guard in a Suva hospital since he was beaten by Fiji police and soldiers during his arrest on November 3.
He is yet to be charged with any crime and is expected to leave hospital today.
Two doctors who examined Khan yesterday said he also was suffering psychological effects from being under constant guard since his arrest on November 3.
Khan is among 17 people arrested over an alleged plot to kill Fiji's self-appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, his Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and two senior military officers.
Bainimarama seized power in a bloodless military coup last year.
The medical report obtained shows Khan had suffered a fracture at the base of his skull and a fracture of his left cheekbone, as well as psychological effects.
"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," the report said.
"We are continually reminded of his `verbal assaults' and `not been left alone'," the report says.
The report was prepared by a surgeon at Suva's Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, and the head of Suva's School of Medical Sciences, Professor Eddie McCaig.
Khan's lawyer Tevita Fa earlier said his client had suffered a broken jaw and ribs during his arrest.
The lawyer has proceedings pending in the Suva High Court arguing Khan should be allowed to leave Fiji because it is unlawful to detain him without charge more than 48 hours.
If Khan was prevented from leaving Fiji, he should be kept in home detention, the lawyer said.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has previously expressed her anger at the treatment given to Khan.
- AAP
