Two women charged claiming unlawful detainment had their motion dismissed yesterday by the High Court in Lautoka.

Adi Vasemaca Veikunekibulu Gonewai and Adi Cuvu Gavidi Atama are charged with one count each of sedition  contrary to section 67 (1) (a) of the Crimes Degree 2009 and one count of inciting communal antagonism contrary to section 65 (2) (a) of the Crimes Decree 2009.

They appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe.

They were represented by lawyer Mark Anthony while the State was represented by DPP lawyer Semi Babitu.

Justice Thushara said there were not enough grounds to prove the two were unlawfully detained and that the inability to produce them in court on time was not a deliberate act by Police.

Justice Thushara dismissed the motion and ruled that the women be remanded and appear next month with the other 14 who are also charged for sedition.

The court also heard the bail ruling for the other 14 who are charged with sedition from Nadroga and the motion of violation of human rights of Ratu Tevita Khaikhainabokolawale Makutu, Peniasi Naqau and Ulaiasi Rabua Tuivono who are also part of the group.

The 14 accused are Ratu Inoke Tasere, Jimi Koroibete, Seru Kunalagi, Ulaiasi Rabua Tuivono, Peniasi Naqau, Semi Tanikili, Ratu Osea Bolawaqatabu, Ratu Tevita Khaikhainabokolawale Makutu, MoseseNavaci, Eroni Rikoriko, Alifereti Nakuinivou, Alifereti Gonewai, Raicula Rokovou, and Jorama Ratulevu.

They are charged with one count of sedition contrary to section 67 (1) (a) and one count of urging political violence contrary to section 65 (1) (b) of the Crimes Decree 2009.

Justice Thushara said the court may refuse to review bail application due to certain grounds for application and that grounds for bail application must satisfy the court. Justice Thushara advised Mr Anthony to make a new application for bail.

Mr Anthony sought for 14 days to make a new bail application.

Justice Thushara ruled that the three; Ratu Makutu,   Naqau and Tuivono, be remanded until October 8 and also to appear with the other 12 who are charged for sedition on October 14.

Bail for juvenile

Two juveniles charged with sedition were granted bail by the High Court in Lautoka this week.

On Wednesday Justice Paul Madigan had granted bail tor the first juvenile and Justice Thushara granted bail to the second juvenile yesterday. They are expected in court next month.

Feedback:  salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj