A Nadi businessman who faces charges of bribery and breaching a Domestic Violence Restriction Order was granted a bail surety of $1000 yesterday by the Nadi Magistrates Court.

Munif Mohammed appeared before Magistrate Mohammed Azar.

Prosecution objected to bail stating the accused had evaded Police arrest.

However, defence lawyer Janend Sharma, argued that his client arrived at the Police station on Friday afternoon by himself after being called by the Police.

Mr Sharma told Court that his client was kept in custody over the weekend only to be harassed by the Police which was a common practice by the lawmen.

He maintained that Mohammed denied both charges against him and said prosecution did not have valid reasons to object to the bail.

Mohammed is accused of bribing a Woman Inspector of hair products on December 2 while she was on duty.

On December 2, Mohammed was called to come to the Police station for a complaint which was received against him on October 29 for an alleged violent act.

Magistrate Azar said it was clear that the accused did not evade Police arrest and granted him bail on a bond of $1000 surety.

A stop departure order has also been put on Mohammed.

A plea date has been set for March 17 next year.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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