Major twist in alleged Virgin Australia crew Fiji ‘rape’ saga as new claims emerge
A man charged in Fiji over the alleged rape and sexual assault of a female airline crew member is expected to appear in court today as new claims emerge about the incident.
According to local media sources, he will appear in the Nadi Magistrates Court on Monday and his case could be referred to the country’s High Court due to the severity of his alleged crimes.
The man was charged on Saturday after the alleged rape and sexual assault of a 21-year-old Virgin Australia flight crew member on New Year’s Day in Nadi, an international gateway to Fiji’s most popular tourist destinations.
Her group had gone to a nightclub district in the city before a member was allegedly robbed outside popular Bar One nightclub and the 21-year-old was allegedly sexually assaulted in separate incidents.
New claims have emerged that the man accused of rape had offered the young woman a lift back to her hotel, posing as a taxi driver, the Daily Telegraph reports.
The woman, who was separated from her friends, was trying to get home after being locked out of the nightclub at 1am when she was allegedly tricked into getting into the man’s car.
The police investigation is ongoing.
Bar One issued a statement on Sunday following the incident.
A female Virgin Australia flight crew member was allegedly sexually assaulted after partying at Bar One nightclub in Nadi, Fiji
“We would like to address the recent incident involving two Virgin Airlines crew members,” Bar One said in a social media post.
‘While we recognize the seriousness of the situation, we feel it is important to make it clear that this incident did not occur within Bar One, nor in the immediate vicinity of our establishment.
“The Virgin Airlines crew are regular customers at Bar One and we have never experienced similar incidents in the past. It is therefore disheartening to see our establishment shown in a negative light due to circumstances not directly related to our bar. ‘
The alleged incident has occurred amid ongoing debates over Fiji’s lockout laws, which require businesses to close at 1am, replacing the previous closing time of 5am.
Local politicians are concerned the incidents could damage Fiji’s tourism-dependent economy, especially after seven visitors, including four Australians, fell ill after drinking cocktails at a five-star resort in December.
But the Australian government’s tourism website has not changed its advice for the Pacific country.
It states that Australians should take normal safety precautions and highlights the potential for crime, noting that the greatest risk is in urban areas and at night.
Virgin crew members stayed at their hotel near Nadi International Airport after the incidents and the airline sent support staff to Fiji.
The crew members returned to Australia last week.
Government travel advice to Fiji has not changed following alleged attacks on Virgin Australia crew
The alleged incidents came just weeks after Fiji hit global headlines when seven tourists – including four Australians – were hospitalized last month after drinking pina coladas at a bar at the swanky Warwick Resort.
Four Australian women aged between 18 and 56 were hospitalized in critical condition after consuming the drinks at the five-star resort.
They suffered from nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms, with one victim’s friend telling Daily Mail Australia she was “foaming at the mouth” and having seizures.
A toxicology report had cleared the cocktails – and the source of the poisoning remains a mystery.
“I can confirm that no illegal substances or methanol were found in the ingredients or beverage samples,” Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka said.
“I can confirm that no illegal substances or methanol were found in the ingredients or beverage samples,” he said.
“All affected tourists and locals have now been discharged from medical care and fully recovered. This is a great relief.’
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redressal Support Service 1800 211 028