An appeal yesterday for bail variation by The Fiji Times Limited’s Publisher to travel to New Zealand was dismissed by the Fiji Court of Appeal in Suva.

Hank Arts had appealed to be allowed to travel to attend his step-daughter’s wedding that will be held today and also to have a medical review.

Arts is charged with inciting communal antagonism alongside The Fiji Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley, editor of the Nai Lalakai Anare Ravula, and a contributor to the Nai Lalakai Josaia Waqabaca.

The decision was given by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice William Calanchini, resident Justice of Appeal, Justice Suresh Chandra, and Justice of the Court of Appeal Justice Janaka Bandara.

Justice Calanchini highlighted the previous learned Magistrate’s judge decision by agreeing that Arts’ application for a bail variation to undergo medical treatment in New Zealand was not imperative and essential.

He also said the reason for the application was not necessary because a medical review could be performed by a medical practitioner in Fiji.

The Court understood that Arts entire family is in New Zealand, including his wife and children to attend his step-daughter’s wedding. In addressing the two leases that Arts was willing to surrender, Justice Calanchini said the Court would not take the risk of Arts not returning to Fiji nor surrendering himself upon arrival.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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