Ra sedition accused No 16, Ilisapeci Natau, was acquitted yesterday by the High Court in Lautoka.

Justice Aruna Aluthge said Mrs Natau had refused to sign the documents and her signatures were not in the Ra Sovereign Christian state document, the Uluda Declaration or Ra Petition to the International Court of Justice.

Mrs Natau said that she was very happy after being acquitted.

“I knew all along that I would be acquitted and I thank all my supporters and I thank God,” Mrs Natau said.

“It was very challenging for me and my husband, Josefa Natau, who has also been charged.”

Justice Aluthge also put to the defence to decide from the three rights which were: the right to remain silent, the right to give evidence and the right to call witnesses for the No 1-15th accused for the remainder of the trial to proceed.

The judge also said that the 1st-15th accused had all agreed that they had signed the Uluda Declaration, Ra Sovereign Christian State documents and the petition to the International Court of Justice during their caution interviews.

Defence lawyer Kevueli Tunidau said he would opt for his right to call witnesses when he represented his client, Ratu Epeli Niudamu.

Defence Lawyer Aman Ravindra Singh who is representing 2nd-15th accused told the court that he needed to consult with his clients and would make his submissions on Monday.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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