Defence successfully argues lack of evidence of firearms and no previous convictions

Defence lawyer Mark Anthony made a successful submission on behalf of 20 persons charged in the Ra sedition case which led to Justice Thushara Rajasinghe granting bail at the High Court in Lautoka on Thursday

The group is 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.

Mr Anthony had made his bail submissions on the grounds of lack of evidence of firearms provided by the Prosecution. He also argued that none of the accused posed any threat to the public because they had no previous criminal records.

This is after the State prosecutor strongly objected to the bail application on the grounds that weapons were involved in the case and that the accused persons posed a threat to the public.

Justice Rajasinghe however granted bail with a bail bond of $1000 each, for each to provide two sureties. Bail conditions set were for the accused to remain in their current residences, not to travel outside of Viti Levu, not to speak to more than three people except for family members and not to contact prosecution witnesses or hold meetings.

Mr Anthony inquired about the bail ruling for his remaining 21 clients held at the Natabua Corrections Centre.

Justice Rajasinghe ruled for the all 44 Ra sedition-charged persons to appear on January 18, 2016 and for the 21 currently remanded to appear in court for bail ruling on December 23, 2015.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti

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