Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama expressed concern on Saturday that his son faces multiple domestic violence charges in Australia.

Ratu Meli Bainimarama, 36, appeared in court Thursday to face 17 charges including assault, suffocation and disseminating intimate images without consent.

“My son is not a member of the Fijian government and this is not a political or diplomatic matter,” the Prime Minister of Fiji said in a statement, but added that he and his wife were “deeply concerned and disturbed by the charges.”

“During my tenure as Prime Minister, I have openly and routinely condemned violence against women and children, and that commitment is unwavering,” he added.

Bainimarama said it was “inappropriate” to comment further on “any matter before the Australian courts”.

Ratu Meli Bainimarama was arrested in Queensland on September 8 and extradited to New South Wales.

An Australian judge initially issued a suppression order against his name, preventing the media from identifying him.

But a Sydney court overturned the order on Friday. National broadcaster ABC challenged her.

The prime minister’s son faces five charges of assault, four of ordinary assault, four of asphyxiation without consent, two of stalking or intimidation and one each of willful dissemination of intimate images and destruction of property.

Bainimarama was released on bail and the case was adjourned until October 13 at Windsor Court in north-west Sydney.