Nasilasila Trial Will Proceed, Even In His Absence
The trial of former Fijian 7s player Amenoni Nasilasila, charged with rape, will proceed later this month, even if he fails to attend.
This was the order given by High Court Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar when Nasilasila, 27, appeared yesterday at the High Court in Lautoka during the Pre- Trial Conference (PTC).
It is alleged that Nasilasila raped a 24-year-old woman from Olosara, Sigatoka, on December 22, 2018.
Representing the State are Mehzabeen Khan and Moira Konrote from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Ms Khan told the court that the list of witnesses and agreed facts were filed and the only issue that the ODPP faced was receiving the file because it had not reached the office. She said the State was calling all four witnesses for the case and the ODPP was finalising the pre-trial conference checklist, which was then filed yesterday.
Ms Khan also told the court that the State was not relying on the caution interview.
The defence was represented by Unaisi Baleilevuka and Mark Anthony. Mr Anthony confirmed to the court the issues Ms Khan shared. He said the only issue that they faced was to sort further disclosures from the prosecution.
When questioned by Justice Goundar on why the station diary was relevant, Mr Anthony said it was for the sake of consistency.
Mr Anthony then told the court that the complainant had returned to the Police Station to withdraw the complaint. Ms Khan also said the complainant allegedly tried to withdraw the case.
The trial will take place on September 16, 2019, at the High Court in Lautoka.
Bail has also been extended for Nasilasila.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
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